Headwaters Student Research Journal

David Dimitrie

Director of Programs

David will be completing his Ph.D. in Biology at Case Western Reserve University in May 2021. His past research has focused on the effects of environmental change on amphibians, reptiles, and their habitats. As a science educator, he has taught outdoor environmental education, college biology and ecology, and ecotourism. His best experiences as an educator have always been when he helps others connect with the natural world around them. David enjoys ultrarunning and spending any free time he can outdoors with his family.

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Anne Espeset

Grants and Programs

Anne holds a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno where she researched the impacts of human-induced changes on sexually selected signals of a butterfly. She has also been a part of several scientific outreach programs, including a community science project (Pieris Project) and the University of Nevada’s Museum of Natural History. Anne is excited to continue sharing the scientific process and research with a diversity of students through the Headwaters Science Institute!

Megan Seifert

Executive Director

Megan holds a PhD in zoology from Washington State University and is passionate about science and the environment. Her focus is on teaching more people the process of science and she hopes to bring it to as many students as possible across the US. In her free time Meg enjoys Nordic skiing, running, and playing with her family in the Sierra.

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Le’a Gleason

Communications Director

Le’a is from Hilo, Hawaii, where the science focus ranges from studying coral reefs to marine biology, preserving the native forests, and studying the night sky. She began in education as a teacher, working simultaneously as a journalist. She has since worked in media for ten years, at newspapers, small companies, non-profits, and more. She most enjoys working with organizations who provide positive experiences for kids.

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Mary Ellen Benier

Programs

Mary Ellen holds a BA in Biology/Environmental Studies from University of California, Santa Cruz. She has worked as an environmental education guide for more than 10 years, balancing that with substitute teaching K-12 in the local school district. For fun she coaches a high school Nordic ski team and tries to get in as much play time outside, skiing, running and biking. She hopes to inspire students to be curious about natural processes in order to foster a deeper appreciation of our environment.

Daniel Dudek

Science Mentor

In the fall of 2016, Dan completed his B.S. in plant physiology at Pennsylvania State University. He is currently completing his M.S. Biology degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania working under Dr. Josiah Townsend, researching the evolutionary relationships between the herpetofauna, mainly amphibians, of Mesoamerica and assessing levels of biodiversity in this region. Dan intends on continuing his academic interests in the future by pursing a PhD in systematics, ecology, and evolution. He is also focused on developing effective teaching methods of scientific information to all age groups.