People

From Hialeah, Florida, and serving in the Marine Corps throughout the U.S. and in Iraq kept David Riera close to nature his entire life, I mean if it ain’t raining we ain’t training!​As a current doctoral candidate in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at Florida International University, he leverages his passion for research, conservation, and education​ to be an advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM. He holds six collegiate degrees and 12 professional certifications (from veterinary technician to open-water deep-sea diver) in various STEM, industrial, and scholarly disciplines, which he utilized in partnership with scientific societal leadership to increase the presence​ and participation of underserved students/emergent professionals through research, educational, and advocacy endevours and intiatives. A First-Generation Afro-Hispanic college graduate, David is driven daily to tackle various social, cultural, and environmental issues (like environmental racism, urban degreening, food security, water rights, pollinator protection, etc.) and fervently believes that the path to conserving and restoring our natural and human capital can be achieved by cultivating the next generation of advocates, innovators, and educators.

David Riera is CEE-Change Fellow, FIU D.E.I and Florida McKnight Fellow; Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Alumni; TRIO Mentor; Bilingual Writer; Adjunct Professor, Environmental Gladiator, K-12 Formal y Informal STEAM Educator and–and…Who fervently believes that, We are only mentors, when our students, pupils, and apprentices make it so… until then, never forget Mentorship is the continual process of be-ing consistently committed to someone's success! As Kyojuro Rengoku says, “Set your heart ablaze”!

Bethany Dunn has worked in environmental education since 2009.  Most of her experience is in conservation education in zoo and aquarium settings, she has also worked at natural history museums, nature centers, and with the US Forest Service.  

After a successful 30-year teaching career, Patty retired from the classroom and joined the Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative. In this new role, she brings her passion for teaching and place-based education to life by supporting educators in their own journeys. Patty is developing meaningful programs that empower teachers to deepen student learning through connection to place, community, and environmental stewardship.

I am transitioning to consulting work after working as an Educator in Maryland promoting the "Green Schools" program in conjunction with MAEOE. 

I am a Biology and Earth Science teacher who has a passion for environmental conservation in my professional and personal lives.

I worked in science research for 20 years before getting my teaching certificate.  I taught high school science for 1.5 years in a traditional brick and mortar public school and 6 years in an online cyber school in Pennsylvania.