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Eddy Arias, Bilingual Conservation Program Coordinator for City of Austin, Watershed Protection(Activity 11 - Macroinvertebrates)
Eddy Arias holds a B.A. in Spanish Language Teaching from the University of Texas at Austin and two teaching certificates from the Texas Education Agency—in Languages Other Than English and Bilingual Education Supplemental. With 11 years of high school teaching experience, he now coordinates the Watershed Detectives program, engaging middle and high school students in environmental conservation, flood education, and water quality sampling.Eddy is passionate about teaching water conservation, plant identification, and leading hands-on excursions into Whirlpool Cave, where students explore cave formations, wildlife, and the fragile ecosystem of the Edwards Aquifer. |
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Maeve Ashcraft, Environmental Education Intern(Activity 13 - The Aquifer Connection)
Maeve was born and raised in Austin, Texas. She is a student at ACC and plans to study abroad. Growing up she developed a strong passion for the environment and animals. While living in Austin, the city’s sustainable mindset has inspired her to focus her love of animals and nature toward protecting the environment in which we all live. She loves to read, swim, stay active, and crafting. She has always been an advocate for the environment and is hoping to expand her knowledge and expertise with this internship. She plans to continue with volunteering at environmentally focused programs, and is hoping to start volunteering at Austin Pets Alive to help animals find a loving home. She is excited to start this new chapter of her life and learn new things! |
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Andrea Bailey-Ortiz (she her) AEL Manager, Austin Youth River Watch(Activity )
After starting with Austin Youth River Watch as an AEL intern, I continued my career with the organization as a Program Specialist. I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Urban Studies and a minor in Architectural History, and recently completed my Master of Architecture at UTSOA. After nearly five years with the organization, I now continue my work as the AEL Intern Manager, supporting young adults through environmental education, mentorship, and professional development. My goal is to merge my experience in environmental education and architecture to approach the field holistically, considering social, economic, and environmental impacts. |
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Jay Banner, Ph.D., Director, UT Environmental Science Institute(Venue A - 10:30 am, The Resilience of 21st Century Cities)
Jay Banner’s research interests center on climate and hydrologic processes, how these processes are preserved in cave deposits, and how human activity affects the sustainability of water resources. At UT-Austin, he serves as the F. M. Bullard Professor in the Jackson School of Geosciences and directs the Environmental Science Institute. The institute’s community engagement programs include the Hot Science – Cool Talks Series. In his free time, Jay enjoys ultimate Frisbee. |
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Brent Bellinger, Ph.D., Aquatic Ecologist, Austin Watershed Protection Department(Venue B - Toxic Blue-Green Algae)
Brent Bellinger is an aquatic ecologist. He studies and monitors ecosystem conditions and linkages as influenced by anthropogenic activities. The goal of his research is to provide managers with enough understanding of what is driving conditions to make informed decisions that will enhance ecosystem services being provided by the aquatic environment. |
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Nathan Bendik, Watershed Protection Department(Activity 16 - Eliza Springs Amphitheater Tour)
Nathan Bendik works for the City of Austin, Texas on monitoring and conservation of the City’s three endemic Eurycea salamanders. Originally from Pennsylvania, he completed his B.S. in Biology at the Pennsylvania State University (2002) and then received an M.S. in Biology at the University of Texas at Arlington (2006). His primary research interests include ecology, natural history, and the evolution of central Texas spring and cave salamanders. |
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Beth Bennet (she/her) Program Director, Austin Youth River Watch(Activity )
Beth joined the Austin Youth River Watch team in August 2017 as a program coordinator, and has since transitioned into the role of Program Director in July 2025. Beth gained experience through various professional and community engagements while earning her bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Policy at St. Edward’s University, graduating in December 2016. What initially drew Beth to work with AYRW was getting to engage with youth directly, and helping facilitate a unique way for students to connect with nature through hands-on science activities and adventure. Even now as Program Director, she is able to work with high school youth and interns to stay connected with what in going on in the field. It is her favorite part of her job! |
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Kirstin Boyd-Farmer, Westcave Preserve(Activity 7 - Urban Heat Islands in Action)
Kirstin is a Conservation Ranger at Westcave Preserve, gaining hands-on experience with geospatial field techniques, sustainable land management practices and native flora and fauna identification. In addition to her role at Westcave, she is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Geography at Texas State University and recently graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geography Resources & Environmental Studies. Her research interests include looking at urban heat mitigation and the sustainability of urban landscapes through a critical geographic lens. |
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Justin Camp, Hydrogeologist Technician at Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District(Activity 10 - Testing Water Conductivity)
Born and raised in Austin, Justin grew up exploring local Little Bear and Bear Creek in his own backyard. With a deep connection to the Central Texas landscape, he developed a passion for enjoying, studying, and protecting the region’s critical natural resources. Justin joined the District team in 2015 after graduating from Texas State University with a B.S. in Physical Geography, minor in Geology, and working for seven years with the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department. He is an avid caver, exploring and mapping the underground in Texas and Mexico. When he’s not in the water or caving, Justin also enjoys playing guitar and tennis. |
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Dee Ann Chamberlain, Environmental Scientist Senior at City of Austin(Activity 8 - Live Salamanders)
Dee Ann Chamberlain is a biologist on the Salamander Conservation Team in the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department. She’s been managing the assurance colony for the endangered Barton Springs Salamander for over 25 years. She was instrumental in the discovery of the Austin Blind Salamander as a species new to science in 2001, which was also federally listed as endangered and included in the assurance colony. Dee Ann has a diverse background with degrees in Zoology (favorite!), English, and Education from the University of Texas at Austin and enjoys working on the conservation of endangered species. |
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Erica Castillo, Programs Director at the Colorado River Alliance(Activity 13 - Aquifer in Action)
Programs Director at the Colorado River Alliance, Erica leads the development and management of education, outreach, and engagement programs that connect communities with the vital importance of the Texas Colorado River. |
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Justin Crow, Fish Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2 San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center(Activity 8 - Live Salamanders)
Justin has experience in marine and freshwater biology and aquaculture systems. His work includes captive prorogation and husbandry of several federally listed amphibian and fish species. Justin’s research focuses on the environmental factors that affect aquatic animal physiology. |
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Ed Crowell, Author(Venue C - Where Did All the Water in Barton Creek Go?)
Ed Crowell is a former journalist who is currently a board member at Save Barton Creek Association and author at Texas A&M University Press. Ed Crowell moved to Austin in 1977 and lived a short distance above Barton Springs where he frequently swam with his family. He worked as an editor at the Austin American-Statesman in charge of the city, state and features desks. Texas A&M University Press published his book “Barton Creek” in 2019. He spent more than two years researching the creek’s natural and political history and interviewing scientists, conservation land protectors and property owners along the 50 miles of creek. The book discusses continuing development threats upstream of Barton Springs that could endanger the health of the creek and its 109-square-mile watershed. |
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Eve Dean, Tree Folks, Community Tree Planting Coordinator(Activity 9 - Tree Planting)
Born and raised in Denver, Colorado, Eve (she/her) first gained an appreciation for nature hiking, biking, and camping in the mountains with her family. After moving to Austin in 2019, Eve fell in love with the people, food, and especially the trees of the city. Since completing her B.S. in Environmental Biology in 2023, she has worked for the Texas Conservation Corps, The Trail Conservancy, Travis County Parks, and now, TreeFolks, gaining experience with outdoor education, hands-on restoration, and volunteer management. When she’s not outside, you can find Eve experimenting in the kitchen, doing various crafts, swimming, or spending time with friends. |
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Sarah Donelson, Environmental Scientist at City of Austin(Activity 16 - Eliza Springs Amphitheater Tour)
Sarah Donelson is an Environmental Scientist who works for the Watershed Protection Department’s Salamander Conservation Team. Sarah received her B.S. in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Water Resources from the University of Vermont. Sarah loves working in her hometown on the conservation of threatened and endangered salamander species. |
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Charlie Flatten, Executive Director, BSEACD(Venue C - Where Does Our Water Come From, and Where Does It Go?)
Charlie is a Hill Country native with a background in small business, regional water planning, and groundwater management. He understands that water management isn’t just about data points and policy. It’s about people, land, and the future we’re shaping together. Charlie is motivated by clean flowing swimming holes, spicy BBQ, polkas (Czech, German, Polish, or Tex-Mex); and believes that sustainable water management must be based on science, education, and a cooperative dialog between the Hill Country’s diverse communities. He and his family live on a shady outcrop of Edwards limestone at the headwaters of Indian Creek. |
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Michael Feliciano-Gumba, Singer(Venue A - The Resilience of 21st Century Cities)
Michael Gumba is an alum from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Urban Studies and Sustainability Studies. He has made guest appearances for Hot Science - Cool Talks and Barton Springs University Program to educate and engage students through song. |
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Alondra Fleming-Parra, Program and Social Media Coordinator, Austin Youth River Watch(Activity 18 - Water Quality Testing)
Alondra is the Program and Social Media Coordinator at Austin Youth River Watch. She works directly with River Watchers in programming, manages the organization’s social media, and oversees a greenhouse of native plants for restoration projects. She earned her B.S. in Plant Biology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2024. |
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Anthony Flores, TreeFolks, Community Tree Planting Manager(Activity 8 - Tree Planting)
Anthony (he/him) in personal and professional background is a Texas native through and through. From catching bugs with his little brothers in their West Texas backyard, to hiking around Austin, to building out various garden bed features at the LBJ Wildflower Center, he has always sought opportunities to explore the outdoors. Anthony first came in contact with TreeFolks in the Urban Forest Stewardship program in 2019, and was a Super Volunteer in the Ready! Set! Plant! program before joining the TreeFolks team as the Community Planting Manager. His time with Heritage Tree Care provided him many learning opportunities in which he was able to grow his tree knowledge and practical skills – both of which he applies to our community plantings. As a certified arborist with a passion for ecology, Anthony combines his deep-rooted interest in the natural world with the practical expertise to care for the environment while enriching communities around him. |
Marisa Flores -Gonzales(Venue B - The Future of Texas Water)
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Meranda Goodwin, Education Coordinator, Gault School of Archaeological Research(Activity 4 - Atlatl Throwing: Gault Site)
Meranda Goodwin loves the past and the environment! She has been an educator for 7 years focusing on hands-on learning and environmental education. She is the Education Coordinator for the OLDEST archaeological sites in Texas, the Gault School of Archaeological Research |
Mellisa Griego, AmeriCorps Member(Activity 12 - The Aquifer Connection)
Mell was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, and discovered her passion for conservation at a young age by watching The Lorax and Steve Irwin on television. Mell graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in conservation biology and ecology in December 2025 and plans to go to graduate school in the future to further her knowledge and skills. |
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Delaney Harris, Education Coordinator at Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center(Activity 5 - Vegetation Survey)
Born and raised in Austin, Delaney grew up hiking and swimming around Central Texas. They developed a passion for learning about and protecting the natural environment, leading them to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies from Texas A&M University. Since graduating, Delaney has been in environmental education, working with people of all ages. They are currently an Education Coordinator at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center where they assist in developing adult classes and outreach activities to educate the public about native plants. Delaney is a swimmer, gardener, and nature nerd. |
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Nico Hauwert, Ph.D Texas Professional Hydrogeologist #5171(Activity 2 - Austin Caves, Dye Tracing)
The Austin Water Balcones Canyonlands Preserve is 14,000 acres of preserve to protect forest and cave ecosystems and our water supply. Nico's Austin-area studies since 1990 included conducting the first direct groundwater tracing to discover that groundwater flow across the aquifer occurs within days instead of years, the first detection of widespread groundwater contamination in the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer in 1994, and the most precise measurement of recharge over the Edwards Aquifer in the Austin area using a climate tower coupled with other methods of verification. He has been involved with restoring filled caves that are widespread across the Austin area, mapping their extent, and tracing their water sources since 1979. The restored caves can serve as preserves for wildlife and can present opportunities for the public to experience their natural heritage. |
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Dean Hendrickson, Ph.D., Curator of Ichthology, University of Texas at Austin(Activity 18 - Live Reptiles and Eel Specimens)
Dean Hendrickson, Ph.D. is the Curator of Ichthyology at the University of Texas at Austin, Department of Integrative Biology (Texas Natural History Collections). Dean earned his Ph.D. at Arizona State University. Before moving to Austin and U.T. in the 1990s, Dean served as the Native Fish Biologist for the State of Arizona. Currently, Dr. Hendrickson works on the Fishes of Texas project, including research on American eels in Texas streams, with an emphasis on connecting science to conservation and sustainability. |
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Todd Jackson, Biologist, City of Austin Watershed Protection(Activity 10 - Macroinvertebrates)
Todd Jackson is a biologist specializing in aquatic macroinvertebrates, which are used for biomonitoring in local streams and springs. He collaborates with the City to monitor endangered and threatened salamanders and freshwater mussels, supports local restoration projects, and engages in a variety of field studies. His experience also includes arthropod bioinventories, invasive plant surveys, endangered species monitoring, water quality assessments, and other fieldwork, reflecting a broad interest in Texas ecosystems and entomology. |
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Raegan King, Executive Director of Gault School of Archaeological Research(Activity 4 - Atlatl Throwing: Gault Site)
Raegan King is a lifelong Texan and museum professional with a background in biology, museum science, archaeology, and natural history collections, including work with NAGPRA and Waco Mammoth National Monument. She joins Gault after 12 years as Site Manager at Waco Mammoth National Monument, bringing extensive experience in museum administration, public education, and preservation. |
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Mariana Krueger, Executive Director, Austin Bat Cave(Venue B - The True Cost of AI)
Mariana Krueger is a native of the Texas Hill Country currently serving as the Executive Director of Austin Bat Cave, a 501-c3 that promotes greater equity and accessibility in education through free and affordable creative programming to Central Texas public school students. Prior to that, she spent fifteen years working in global health research, education, community organizing, and nonprofit and political campaign management. She is also an award-winning photographer, storyteller, and media producer whose work has been published by National Geographic and has been on exhibit at the Elisabet Ney Museum and UT Moody School of Communications. She attended Duke University for undergraduate and graduate school, where she earned a B.A. in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy, and an M.S. in Global Health. Mariana is the Vice Chair for the City of Austin's Environmental Commission, and also proudly serves on the City's Commissions for Human Rights and LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life. She is a Democratic Precinct Chair in East Austin, a longtime volunteer at the Festival Beach Food Forest, and an ardent lover of public lands and natural spaces at home and around the world. |
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Corinne Loperfido, Trash Artist and Activist(Activity 1 - Community Sewing Project)
Corinne Loperfido is a social practice artist whose colorful, maximalist work spans visual and performance art, upcycled fashion and costume design, as well as community event production focused on women’s empowerment and environmental activism. She uses discarded resources to create new worlds where we value what we have and take care of the things that already exist instead of continuing to act as if our Earth is a bottomless pit for our consumption. |
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Caroline Lunning, Lifeguard and Swim Instructor(Activity 16 - Guided Snorkel Tour 2)
In a sea full of compassionate and vibrant Austinites, Caroline is one of those rare standouts! Whether teaching science to middle school students, helping others learn to swim and stay safe, working with SOS, or getting laps in at the Springs, Caroline does it all! |
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Robert Mace, Executive Director, The Meadows Center for Water & Environment(Venue B - Water, Water Everywhere But Not a Drop to Spare)
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Lee Mackenzie, Co-Founder, Austin Bat Refuge(Activity 19 - Live Austin Bats)
As a carpenter, then a nationally-acclaimed design build remodeler, Lee has been humanely dealing with a variety of small mammals in structures his whole career. A wildlife worker for over 20 years, now Co-founder of Austin Bat Refuge, he creatively combines rehabilitation and permaculture, providing the highest possible quality of life in their “bat gardens”, an Austin Bat Refuge original concept and the first of its kind. |
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Joel Manzo, Drainage and Operations Maintenance II, Austin Watershed Protection(Activity 16 - Guided Snorkel Tour 3)
Joel Manzo was born and raised in Austin and has been swimming at Barton Springs his entire life. Joel is a strong advocate for Austin Parkland and sandlot baseball, helping to organize many Austin-area baseball events. He has worked at Barton Springs Pool from 2015 to 2019 as an Open Water Lifeguard, where he began giving snorkel tours with SOS in 2018. From 2020 to 2024, Joel worked as a Zilker Parks Maintenance Tech and as a landscape technician in the Austin Watershed Protection Department in the Green Stormwater Infrastructures Division since 2024. Joel recently became an executive board member for SOS in the summer of 2025 |
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Tyson McKinney, Environmental Scientist Sr., Watershed Protection Department(Activity 10 - Macroinvertebrates)
Tyson McKinney is a hydrogeologist who works with the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department on the Geologic Drainage Systems team. Tyson received a B.Sc. in Geology at the University of Texas at Austin and an M.Sc.in Earth Science at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He grew up in here in Austin and is passionate about understanding and protecting the valuable groundwater resources of Central Texas. |
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Tyson Connor McLean, Program Coordinator, Austin Youth River Watch(Activity 17 - Water Quality Testing)
Connor is a Program Coordinator at Austin Youth River Watch, who works directly with River Watchers during programming. He loves to share his passion for fishing and aquatic science with the River Watchers. He earned his B.S in Biology and Education from Texas State University in 2024. |
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Nicole Miller, Environmental Conservation Information Specialist, Austin Watershed(Activity 11 - Groundwater in Action)
Nicole Miller is an Environmental Conservation Information Specialist with the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department, on the Education team. Nicole grew up in Austin splashing in creeks, looking under rocks, and exploring the Barton Creek Greenbelt. She received a BSA in Biology from University of Texas at Austin, and has spent her career in the field of Outdoor Education. When not working, Nicole spends her time doing many of the same things she does at work- caving, splashing in creeks, hiking to wonderful outdoor spaces, playing complicated board games, and eating good food |
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Jacob Newton, Regulatory Compliance Specialist at Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District
(Activity 9 - Testing Water Conductivity)
Jacob was born and raised in Austin. Growing up here, he regularly explored Barton Creek Greenbelt and Bull Creek and relaxed at Barton Springs. His love of the outdoors grew from visits to Cedar Creek Lake where his grandfather resided, hikes at Enchanted Rock, and camping trips in Big Bend National Park. Jacob graduated from University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Geography and minor in Biology. He now resides in Kyle where he and his family rely on groundwater monitored by the District. In his free time, Jacob likes to spend time with his family, bike, hike, and swim. |
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Bill Oliver, Mr. Habitat
(Venue A - Lunch Performances)
With over twenty years of concerts, campfires, and cafeterias, Bill’s programs are educational and entertaining, engaging and motivating. In schools, National Parks, and river-side celebrations, his songs bring to life the vital issues of Habitat conservation. Bill and the Otter Space Band have performed at Barton Springs University Day since its inception. |
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Dianne Odegard, Co-Founder, Austin Bat Refuge(Activity 19 - Live Austin Bats)
After 12 1/2 years as Education and Public Outreach Manager at Bat Conservation International by day, and bat rehabilitator by night, Dianne has now gone full-time as Co-founder of Austin Bat Refuge. Dianne has been a wildlife rehabilitator since 1990, working with animals that live in close proximity to urban areas and human structures and educating people about ways to live harmoniously with wildlife. She considers bat care to be service work benefiting both bats and humans. |
Bryan Parras, Founder, T.E.J.A.S.(Venue C - Taking Action Together)
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Gary Perez, Chief, Pakahua Peoples of Mexico & Texas(Venue A - Water Blessing)
Gary Perez serves as the Principal Chief and cultural preservation officer of the Pakahua peoples of Mexico and for the Indigenous Governor's' Office for the State of Coahuila, Mexico, and Texas. He is a published researcher on the rock art of West Texas. In 2011, Gary cracked the geographical and mathematical codes on the Painting known as the White Shaman Mural. Gary is currently working with NASA on a curriculum based on his research to teach students on the Indigenous Cosmology of North Eastern Mexico and Texas. |
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Ethan Perrine, Cave Biologist(Activity 2 - Austin Caves, Dye Tracing)
Ethan Perrine is a volunteer with the Underground Texas Grotto caving club and works as a cave biologist at Travis County, Texas. |
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Carlos Pinon, Resilience Program Coordinator (Venue C - TBD)
Carlos Pinon is the Resilience Program Coordinator at PODER, where he (1) conducts emergency preparedness workshops throughout East Austin in collaboration with the City’s Office of Climate Action & Resilience and (2) supports community-based participatory research partnerships between geoscientists and community members at UT-Austin through the BRIDGES Program. He graduated from UT-Austin in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Bridging Disciplines Program Certificate in Public Policy. As a student, Carlos completed an independent capstone research project quantifying the disproportionate exposure of communities of color to air pollutants in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. His research was later published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2021. Carlos was born in Tamuning, Guam, and raised in Spring, Texas. Currently, he lives in South Austin. |
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Brandi Pumphrey, Program Specialist, Colorado River Alliance(Activity 12 - The Aquifer Connection)
Brandi leads and supports K–5 educational programs for the Colorado River Alliance as Program Specialist, including a K–2 assembly-style programs that introduce young Texans to conservation and stewardship actions they can take, and the 3–5 grade field trip program at the Wilkerson Center for Environmental Education. Through the Wilkerson Center program, Students learn about the water cycle, the local water system, dams, waterways, and the Colorado River. In addition, Brandi works closely with the Alliance’s volunteer and internship programs, helping oversee, train and develop the dedicated interns who facilitate field trips and assemblies. |
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Marsha Riti, Landscape Educator and Specialist, Elisabet Ney Museum(Activity 12 - The Aquifer Connection)
Marsha Riti is the Landscape Educator and Specialist for the Elisabet Ney Museum. She's also a certified Capital Area Master Naturalist. In addition to being a nature lover she's also an accomplished children's book illustrator with multiple books illustrated for Simon and Schuster under her belt. |
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Livy Rocha, Environmental Education Intern(Activity 12 - The Aquifer Connection)
Livy was born in Voorhees, New Jersey but spent her entire life in Texas. Livy graduated from Texas State University in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Geography and a minor in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She hopes to be a better water advocate by educating the youth and herself how to be a better water steward, by volunteering her time to aiding in water health, and use this experience beyond this internship to constantly advocate for all local bodies of water. |
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Victoria Rose, Staff Attorney, SOS Alliance(Venue B - Speaking Up For My Friend)
Victoria Rose is a staff attorney at Save Our Springs Alliance who works on water quality, water quantity, and endangered species related issues across the Texas Hill Country. |
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Gail Rothe, Rewilding Project Leader & Environmental Steward(Activity 8 - Tree Planting)
Gail Rothe has led a volunteer rewilding project in Zilker Park for 10 years under an agreement with the Parks department. Her professional background includes almost 20 years at the Texas Commission Environmental Quality, working in the areas of watershed assessment and restoration, surface water quality, habitat protection, coastal restoration, fish tissue contamination, and data quality. She has also worked in multiple cultures and languages in Asia and Latin America and on the U.S.-Mexico border. Her particular area of interest lies at the confluence of environmental stewardship, connection to place, and the inclusion of all voices in decision-making. |
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Adam Russel, Founder, Symbiosis TX(Activity 3 - Ground Control)
Adam Russell is a naturalist, explorer, and educator. He seeks to build a knowledge base of how we can work to release the potential from under-utilized lands. Adam’s current projects include broadscale soil regeneration and the spread of available solutions through his work with SymbiosisTX. |
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Melissa Schacht, Education Coordinator, Wildflower Center(Activity 5 - Vegetation Survey)
Growing up in Michigan, Melissa developed a passion for native plants and sustainability as she spent more and more time getting to know her ecoregion. She has a degree in Natural Resource Management and started her career in parks and recreation and volunteer management. Since moving to Austin, Melissa works on youth programs and community engagement as an Education Coordinator at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. She enjoys spreading the word about the importance of native plants both at the Wildflower Center and out and about in the community. Melissa is an avid gardener, crafter, and DIYer. |
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Meghan-Grace Slocombe, Environmental Scientist Senior, Austin Watershed Protection(Activity 11 - Groundwater in Action)
Meghan Slocombe is an Environmental Scientist in the Applied Watershed Science section of Austin Watershed Protection. Her work is focused on monitoring water quality and assessing stream health throughout Austin. Meghan holds a Master of Science in Ecology from Utah State University and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Meghan is passionate about community engagement, climate resilience, and science with real-world applications. She loves spending time in Austin’s beautiful creeks, whether she is out measuring water quality during the workday or enjoying a relaxing evening in her kayak! |
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Dana Thomas, Environmental Scientist at Austin Watershed Protection, Geologic Drainage Systems
(Activity 11 - Groundwater in Action)
Dana Thomas earned a B.S. in Geology from Louisiana State University and a Ph.D. in Geological and Environmental Sciences from Stanford University. Originally from Louisiana, she has always loved being in, near, and around water, making Austin an ideal place to live and work. |
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Brianna Westmoreland, AmeriCorps Member(Activity 12 - The Aquifer Connection)
Brianna was born and raised in Houston, Texas where she developed a deep appreciation for environmental activism and justice. At Southwestern University she majored in Environmental Studies with minors in biology and mathematics. In college she developed a passion for community service and outreach, especially connecting with others about Central Texas’ environmental issues. |