Marta is an instructor of environmental science and the outreach coordinator in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at Appalachian State University. The purpose of science outreach is to share the sometimes very technical research that scientists perform in their lab and beyond, with public of all ages. Communicating findings is a crucial aspect of the scientific process. Marta and her team of undergraduate interns are responsible for bringing the information gathered by the scientists through this project to the general public. This includes education through this website and developing hands-on activities for school kids.

Alyson Gonzalez-Torres is a biochemistry major at Appalachian State University. She is one of the undergraduate interns for the Vesicle Project with the Department of Geological and Environmental Science and is a mentor student for the SOAR program (focused on helping students success in STEM fields). She is also part of the communication team for the MFOL program in North Carolina. Alyson hopes to continue her career as a chemist and apply it to jobs related to the environment, wildlife and human health. In her free time she enjoys weight lifting, hiking, camping and crocheting.

Micaela is a sophomore at Appalachian State majoring in Environmental Science with a minor in Sustainable Development. She is actively involved in K12 educational programs through the Geologic and Environmental Sciences Outreach Team and also serves as one of the Spanish translators. Her main areas of interest are waste management and sustainable agriculture, and she hopes to eventually get a job in the areas of sustainable food systems and food security to help vulnerable communities.

Erika Hernandez is a senior at Appalachian State University majoring in environmental science major with a minor in geology. She is actively involved in the Geology and Environmental Science Outreach Team, and has recently become a panda ambassador for the World Wildlife Fund organization. Erika hopes to get a career in wildlife conservation and sustainability. She enjoys meditating, working out, and journaling.

Jacqui is a sophomore at Appalachian State University pursuing a degree in environmental science with a concentration in life sciences and a minor in geology. She is an active member of the Geologic and Environmental Science Outreach Team and will be starting biogeochemical research with Dr. Sarah Carmichael in the Fall. One day she hopes to have a career in which she feels is making an impact on the environment for the better.