People

Hi! My name is Will Vest, and I have been working in environmental education and interpretation for the last few years. I am passionate about alternative and sustainable life styles, and love learning in that field. I have experience working on local farms, national parks, adventure courses, as well as in primary education. I also am an avid bird watcher since intering at the Great Smoky Mountains in 2021!

Professor, Biology, Natural Sciences, and Psychology

Michèle Andrews is the Co-Founder and Executive Director at DoorNumberOne.org - a Canadian registered charity providing practical inspiration for the transition to a just, beautiful, and regenerated world. Now enrolling the fourth cohort, DoorNumberOne.org leads the Climate Action Accelerator Program with K-12 independent schools to help them create and implement bold, high-impact, hope-filled whole-school climate action plans. In this program students, operations leaders, faculty and administrators are working together on school teams and with their colleagues around the country to chart an accelerated climate-positive path for schools everywhere.

Dr. Shanti Srinivas, Associate Chair of the Arts & Sciences Department at Galen College of Nursing, is an Assistant Professor and a Human Ecology/Environmentalism educator. She is also the Chair of Galen's DEI Council and the Managing Editor of Galen DEI Digest monthly newsletter. She teaches Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for the college. Additionally, she created and teaches the Human Ecology and Environmentalism geared for healthcare professionals. In her 18+ years of experience in higher education, she wore many hats, including that of an administrator, educator, mentor, course creator and developer, writer, and a leaders. Her true passion lies in her desire to raise awareness regarding climate justice and other environmental concerns integrating DEI aspects.

 I am currently a middle school science teacher at JEBMS Middle School in Allen County Kentucky. I have a degree in biology, a minor in environmental studies and sustainability, with a masters in the art of teaching. I have taught for five years both in high school and middle school teaching classes like biology, zoology, 7th & 8th grade science, marine biology, and AP environmental science. I am a coach / sponsor of multiple academic extracurriculars in my school / community including middle school academic team, science olympiad, Jr. Beta club, and environmental club. I do what I can to promote scientific engagement in my small community and I hope that I can extend that further if the opportunity is available.
 

We provide opportunities and resources from across NOAA for students, educators, and curious people everywhere. This account is managed by NOAA's Office of Education. 

Matt Schnabel is the Environmental Education Coordinator for the SC Forestry Commission and directs the Project Learning Tree environmental education program for South Carolina.  Mr. Schnabel obtained his Associate’s in Natural Resource Management from Central Carolina Technical College, his B.S. in Elementary Education from Miami University, and his Master’s in Parks & Recreation from Clemson University.  Mr. Schnabel is a certified teacher in SC and previously taught for Lexington School District One. He also worked as a park ranger for the NC State Parks and at Saluda Shoals Park in Columbia, SC before working for the SC Forestry Commission.

I work to foster a passion for celebrating and protecting the natural world through interdisciplinary, exploratory, and inspirational opportunities for kids of all ages and backgrounds. I firmly believe that to protect the future of our environment we must teach our children to love the Earth.

We empower conservationists to protect and restore nature everywhere.

Our vision: Every conservationist has access to the skills, knowledge, and network they need to progress their career and make a meaningful difference for our natural world, no matter who they are or where they are from.