Erin Bentley
Currently a Ph.D. student in Ecology at UW. I work in Alex Buerkle's lab...
Major/background: Currently a Ph.D. student in Ecology at UW. I work in Alex Buerkle's lab on projects related to microbial and genetic diversity and head the art/science crossover outreach project, the Microbestiary. I have my undergraduate degree in Animal and Veterinary Science, as well as a minor in Creative Writing.
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Why I'm Involved: I believe that education should be interdisciplinary, engaging, and accessible, and I am involved with COPSE in order to implement this belief in the greater Wyoming community (and eventually beyond!).
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Fun fact: I once spent two weeks working on an elephant sanctuary in Thailand!
Erin Bentley
Rachel Watson
Director of the Science Initiative’s Learning Actively Mentoring Program...
Major/background: Director of the Science Initiative’s Learning Actively Mentoring Program
Why I'm Involved: I believe that we will only solve the World’s greatest problems when we collaborate in interdisciplinary and transdisicplinary ways that involve not only effort across disciplines but also work across levels and communities
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Fun fact: I have coached UW men’s and women’s Nordic ski teams for 22 years.
Rachel Watson
Rebecca Austin
Currently a graduate student in Computer Science pursuing a Ph.D...
Major/background: I am currently a graduate student in Computer Science pursuing a Ph.D., and am focusing my research on the usage of Augmented/Virtual Reality for the betterment of mental and physical wellness. I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a concentration in Graphic Design and a minor in Photography.
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Why I'm Involved: I believe that science and art have an unnecessary disconnect in today's society. By combining both subjects, we can encourage advancement in our education and help develop stronger critical thinking skills.
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Fun fact: I've had the chance to explore and photo document an abandoned stamp mill in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Rebecca Austin
Claire Campion
I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in zoology physiology studying the impacts...
Major/background: I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in zoology physiology studying the impacts of temperature on male bumble bees' reproductive physiology. I am also assessing how game-based learning helps k-12 students understand phenomena like climate change, genetics, and ecology.
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Why I'm Involved: I believe that learning is a powerful thing and providing accessible science to students is something I am passionate about. Engaging with students and seeing their knowledge change and grow through creative activities is one of my favorite things when communicating science.
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Fun fact: I was a hobby beekeeper in high school with my dad and that is what got me into pollinator research!
Claire Campion
Kelsey Ruehling
Master’s student in the Zoology and Physiology Department working on aquatic...
Major/background: Master’s student in the Zoology and Physiology Department working on aquatic microbial pollution and Escherichia coli in multiple Wyoming watersheds. My undergraduate degree is in Biology and Environmental Studies with a minor in Chemistry.
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Why I'm Involved: I love interdisciplinary and collaborative projects that involve diverse perspectives and exciting backdrops. I enjoy working with communities and educators to help foster scientific passion and engagement in learners of all ages.
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Fun fact: I once performed a necropsy on a sea otter that was attacked by a shark. There were huge bite marks visible on the sea otter’s bones!