People

Long-time outdoor and environmental educator, conservation educator, and sustainable agriculture educator, and naturalist/natural & cultural history interpreter, now getting back into the field.

Aspiring environmental educator with a Bachelor's in Conservation Biology with a passion for sparking curiosity. 

Bug Hartsock is a graduating Master's student in an Entomology lab. When he's not staring at small critters, he spends his time reading, making art, and going on hikes (as well as playing plenty of Dungeons & Dragons). Bug is passionate about scientific outreach and communication, creating zines and comics designed to make science accessible to everyone. He's also spoken at conferences, on public radio, and at a variety of school outreach events. It's his hope to encourage the rest of the world to fall a little bit more in love with its tiny, many-legged residents.

Jimena Cuenca supports NAAEE's digital presence, helping maintain and improve our websites like eePRO so that it serves as a welcoming and useful space for environmental educators. Jimena brings a deep curiosity about how online communities grow, connect, and collaborate. She enjoys learning new digital tools and is always looking to make our web spaces more engaging. When not at work, she's walking her huskies and birding.

I am a 6th grade science teacher for Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). We explore chemistry, our extreme planet, the human body, and ecosystems.

Abbey Matre is a Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy Educator with University of Illinois Extension serving Cook County. Her work focuses on environmental education, conservation outreach, and connecting communities with local natural resources through programs related to habitat restoration, water conservation, and climate resilience. She is passionate about helping people build meaningful connections with the natural world and turn education into action in their communities.

Dr. Teka Bekuma is an Assistant Professor at Wollega University, Ethiopia, currently serving as the Head of the Department of Environmental Science and the University Climate Action Focal Person. He is also the President of the Ethiopian Environmental Science and Education Professionals Association (EESEPA).

Dr. Teka holds a PhD in Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, an MSc in Geography and Environmental Education, and a BSc in Geography and Environmental Studies. His academic and professional work focuses on climate change, environmental sustainability, environmental education, and community resilience.

At Wollega University, he is actively engaged in leadership, teaching, research, and community service, contributing to environmental science education, climate action initiatives, and professional development in Ethiopia.

I am a new teacher in Pennsylvania and have a passion for anything education! I love to learn new things as well as bring new resources and knowledge to my students!