Meet our team!

Lauren started a career in international environmental policy on the East Coast but soon moved west to the Colorado Plateau to work in non-profit coordination and sustainable construction. After two new programs launched, twelve new houses built, and many other jobs in between, Lauren is now pursuing her graduate degree in community and regional planning at the University of Oregon. Upon graduation, Lauren plans to continue her work in sustainable building and planning through historic restoration work. Outside of school, you can find Lauren running around the trails of Eugene or stepping on the toes of dance partners as she attempts to learn how to salsa dance.

Katie is an environmental anthropologist with a focus on the interconnections between environmental and social justice. Her courses, projects and publications have explored how to restore connections between students and the more-than-human world, how to translate environmental science to motivate civic engagement, and the reciprocal relationships between plants, people and place. She has worked in Peru, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States. In 2006 she launched the Environmental Leadership Program’s Environmental Education Initiative, which partners undergraduate teams with local nonprofits and school districts to develop and implement place-based, experiential environmental education for K-8 children. She has won multiple teaching awards including UO’s Thomas F. Herman Faculty Achievement Award, Williams Fellowship, and Sustainability Teaching Award.

Born and raised in North Portland, Oregon, Ben spent his childhood taking advantage of every opportunity to explore the outdoors, both near and far from home. This passion for experiencing the natural spaces of the Pacific Northwest led him to the University of Oregon, where he is studying for a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish. After completing his degrees, Ben hopes to continue investigating the intricate relationships present in our environments. Through the Environmental Leadership Program and Aves Compartidas, Ben has the opportunity to share his passion for ecology while emphasizing linguistic accessibility for his students. 

Anneliese grew up in Oregon, running through creeks and climbing trees, investigating new creatures and environments. Her education at the University of Oregon has expanded her skillset as a young professional into both ecological research and public-facing outreach. The Aves Compartidas program has built her skills as an environmental educator, and she hopes to provide the support and tools needed to uplift young environmental stewards. Anneliese graduates with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Spring 2024 in Environmental Science and Marine Biology. She combines a passion for science and education to inspire lifelong learning and love for our environment.

Growing up in the diverse landscape of Southern California, Maggie spent her summers with family at the beach or exploring national parks. This is where she grew an appreciation for the environment. Since attending the University of Oregon, Maggie has found a perfect balance between the outdoors and her interest in politics. As a member of the Clark Honors College, Maggie is interested in the intersection between her Political Science major and Environmental Studies minor. Joining the Environmental Leadershiop Program has diversified her interests, provided leadership opportunities, and given her a path to follow as she soon enters her senior year. In the future, Maggie is interested in working in politics and government to take action against environmental injustices. Being an environmental leader has given her the tools to feel confident and motivated to bring awareness of protecting the environment to her community.

Irene grew up in Oregon where she was provided with a rich environment accompanying an amazing view on nature. Oregon truly is a beautiful and rich land filled with historical vibrant green forests and deep blue waters which led her to appreciate nature at its fullest. She is currently working towards her bachelors of science in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing accompanied by a minor in Spanish. Although she is not majoring in Environmental Science she wanted to be a part of something that would impact the younger generations to develop a feeling of AWE for the environment. In her work she aspires to bring a more equitable and inclusive future.

Zo grew up in Klamath Falls, Oregon, in the diverse natural beauty of the high desert that they fell in love with at an early age. This lifelong passion for the environment has remained active throughout their life and has continued into their studies about environmental science and ecology. Their free time is filled with hiking around Eugene to go birding and learn about local flora and fauna. They aim to share their passions and knowledge with others through environmental education and creative writing, both during college and after. 

Ava studies the environment and is a writer. A native Texan, she grew up playing sports, swimming in the Guadalupe River, and had a strong interest in science and nature. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Ava expanded her passion for the natural world by learning in the classroom and connecting with the outdoors independently. Environmental education intersects her personal interests and academic strengths, unearthing a way to share her enthusiasm for the environment with others. Ava chose the Aves Compartidas project because of the opportunity to work in a team with diverse strengths, teach bilingually, and further her own naturalist learning. 

Born in California, raised in Guatemala with Salvadoran parents. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, grew up with love and respect for nature. Close to her family all the time, driven to help people, she decided to major in Environmental Studies and minor in Latinx Studies and Spanish. Her goal is to help her community and the Environmental Leadership Program was the perfect fit for her. Manuela is bilingual and uninhibited; these strengths make it easier for her to connect with people and nature. She has a strong desire to unite two categories and share her passions with the world.

Originally from Cleveland and raised in Texas, Aria is currently an undergraduate student at the University of Oregon, where she is pursuing a degree in nonprofit management. Her passions lie at the intersection of social advocacy, environmental planning, and cultural exchange.

Aria's journey into environmental studies led her to apply for the Environmental Leadership Program (ELP). As a member of Team Aves Compartidas within the ELP, she has been formally introduced to the world of Environmental Education. The mission of environmental conservation is what propelled her to undertake this experience, and it has taught Aria the profound impact that education can have when it centers on students' passions and their innate curiosity.

Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Aria finds joy in reading, listening to music, collecting vinyl, and spending quality time with friends. The ELP experience has been truly transformative, and she is eager to continue her journey in the pursuit of environmental conservation.

Born and raised in Southern California, Lesley was no stranger to chronic droughts and wildfires every summer. This provoked curiosity about the relationship between humans and the environment at a young age, which led her to pursue higher education concerning these topics at the University of Oregon. As a native Spanish speaker and a learning steward of the environment, she thought she would be able to apply her knowledge and skills to the Aves Compartidas group. She has also gained several skills that translate into many different professions, while confirming her passions of environmental stewardship and making meaningful connections. 

Mary was born and raised in the Willamette Valley in Oregon. As a child, she enjoyed hiking, camping, and playing in the fields and orchids of her grandparent's farm. Through these experiences, she found comfort and peace in the outdoors. Through coursework in environmental studies, sociology, psychology, and global studies at the University of Oregon, she has discovered her passion for youth advocacy, equitable education, and environmental justice. For Mary, the Environmental Leadership Program has been a place of intersection for these passions. In the future, she hopes to continue empowering youth and fostering inclusive spaces where their voices are uplifted and celebrated.