People

I am an environmental educator and activist, and a constant learner. I have experience with informal teaching techniques from my time at the Philadelphia Zoo as a Conservation Interpreter and animal handler in the Zoo-on-Wheels program where we brought ambassador animals to local schools. Academically, I have a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Temple University and a M.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of West Alabama, and I am planning to graduate this December from Miami University's Project Dragonfly program with a M.A. in Biology. Project Dragonfly's M.A. empowered me to engage with my local community more, and nowadays I dedicate time to volunteering and organizing with multiple groups across my hometown of Philadelphia. 

Gustavo grew up in Southeastern Brazil, inspired by nature on his grandparents’ farm. His passion for nature motivated him to become a field biologist and led him to a career path in academic research and higher education. Gustavo dedicated over 15 years to help college students connect their curiosity about nature to science, guiding them through the transformative path of critical thinking. He believes that such transformation, however, should not be restricted to colleges, but accessible to everyone.

In 2018, Gustavo chose Connecticut to be his new home, and non-formal science education and outreach to be his new career. He currently serves on the Board of the NAAEE affiliate in Connecticut (CT Outdoor & Environmental Education Association) and has been supporting outdoor education as the perfect format to stimulate kids’ and adults’ curiosity about nature and connect them to science.

In 2020, Gustavo joined the Neighborhood Leadership Program from the Community Foundation for the Greater New Haven. Inspired by the stories and actions of so many community leaders, Gustavo decided to found the Science Yourself initiative as a way to celebrate, connect, and support professionals and community members that value science literacy, critical thinking, and science-based programs in the Greater New Haven area and across Connecticut.

Dr. Taylor has worked in K-16 science education for 20+ years. He is a proven leader and champion of science education within the State of Utah, leading teams of educators in the development of the State's Science Education and Engineering Standards for K-12 schools.  He continues to provide professional development opportunities for teachers through the Utah Science Teaching Association and now works with Zion National Park's official non-profit partner, Zion Forever Project, as the Director of Education & Visitor Services, supporting the Park in all education efforts.

I live in NC. I was a pediatrician in a former life and now I found my joy and passion in teaching preschoolers in a forest setting. I am a big birder and love to bring my love of the natural world to everyone I see, kids, other adults, friends. because if I am passionate about something, then it spreads and others become passioante too. 

A former classroom teacher, turned naturalist. I believe we never stop learning, and I want students/adults to know we can learn from each other by taking time to make careful observations about the natural world and asking engaging questions that lead to deeper understanding.

I am a special Education teacher assistant at a High School. I am taking classes at a Wisconsin University to get my Special Education Teachers License. 

Georgia Wright (she/they) is RIEEA’s Communications Manager. She a writer, organizer, and audio producer based in Providence, RI. Georgia’s opinion and culture writing can be found in The Guardian, Atmos, and The Indy; the youth climate podcast she co-created, Inherited (a production of YR Media and Critical Frequency) has been critically acclaimed by outlets such as the New York Times, NPR, Vulture, CBS This Morning, and New Scientist. Her work has won a Signal Award, a Casey Shearer Memorial Award, and a Merlyn’s Pen Climate Grant, among other honors.

You can reach Georgia at gwright(at)rieea(dot)org.

Naturalist, Storyteller and avid adventurist.