People

Abbreviated Vita

Joseph A. Baust, Sr.

Experience

2008–Present: Emeritus Professor, Murray State University, Murray, KY

1998–2013: Director/Professor, Center for Environmental Education, Murray, KY

1978–1998: Professor/Associate Professor/Assistant Professor, Murray State University, Murray, KY

Academic Degrees

Ed.D. University of Tennessee, Knoxville;  M.Ed Memphis State University; B.S.E. Murray State University

Abigail transitioned from a 20+ year career in Arts Education to join the DPS Sustainability team after an inspiring Fulbright grant in Finland where she learned about the national commitment to integration of sustainability into all academic contents. She is a true believer in the power of nature studies and outdoor education to promote student wellbeing and agency for environmental stewardship. Originally from Rhode Island, she moved to CO in 2015 for the mountains, but this mermaid misses the ocean. Abigail is a world traveler, dancer, gardener, ceremonialist, hiker, and hot springs enthusiast.

https://sustainability.dpsk12.org/

Educator and photographer focused on science and conservation in Florida's Northern Everglades.

I work as the program coordinator for the NC Division of Water Resources. I coordinate Project WET, NC Stream Watch, and It's Our Water. I also offer supplemental environmental programs on behalf of the state's Department of Environmental Quality such as the NC Climate Education Network and Water Education Pen Pals. I am a former elementary special education teacher in Eastern NC and also taught while my husband was stationed in Corpus Christi, TX.

I am the coordinator of the School of Climate Leaders, a space aimed at empowering and training young leaders in environmental and climate issues, promoting the creation of projects that tackle the climate crisis.

Ever since I was a child, I have always felt a deep connection with nature and environmental stewardship. I believe this connection began due to the contrast I noticed when leaving my hometown of Buenos Aires, a city that, like any large city, shows clear signs of pollution and inequality, along with limited access to natural green spaces. Through travel, I was able to connect with nature and developed a passion and admiration for it.

This connection led me to lead environmental projects in my school, pursue a degree in Environmental Management, and, more recently, a Master's in Climate Change Law and Economics. While I have always been involved in education, it was in the Escuelas Verdes program where I was able to merge my two passions and begin working in Environmental Education: driving, training, and motivating young people to become true agents of change towards building more equitable and sustainable communities.