Nathaniel has dedicated his life to ecology and conservation through fieldwork, mentorship, and community outreach. At Wolf Camp and the School of Natural Science, he built skills in environmental sustainability while teaching youth and leading wilderness excursions. Over eleven years with the Port Townsend STEM Club, he advanced citizen science methods, conducting ecological surveys of the Puget Sound with underwater robots to help protect habitats through community partnerships. Now with CastawayWU, Nathaniel uses his experience in stewardship to unite students with their enviroment.

Lewis pairs academic strength with a deep connection to the outdoors especially fly fishing. Some of his most formative moments come from fishing mountain streams with his father and grandmother. That connection drives his commitment to protecting the natural spaces he values. For Lewis, climate change isn’t abstract—it’s a direct threat to the places and experiences that shaped him.

He brings strong writing, time management, and analytical skills to his role as treasurer and executive team member. For him, CastawayWU isn’t just a campus group, it’s a way to leave a real, lasting impact on the environment while at Willamette.

Ella Ross is a Biology and Environmental Science student at Willamette University with a strong background in local research and conservation work. She brings this experience into her role with Castaway, where she contributes as both a researcher and Emergency Response Lead (E.R.L), while also serving with Willamette EMS. Ella is passionate about strengthening her research knowledge and continues to support her community through Accessible Education work and community outreach.

Bringing her research and hands-on surveying experience with Kaua’i’s National Tropical Botanical Garden and National Wildlife Refuge Complex. As an Environmental Science major she aims to combine academic research, indigenous knowledge, and conservation field work to address issues of habitat loss and invasive species proliferation. She wants to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion remain central to our service goals. Her expertise in endemic plant and waterbird preservation, combined with her commitment to sustainable and environmental justice-centered practices, drives her studies and contributions to Castaway’s mission. 

Threeths is a junior at Willamette University, pursuing a double major in Environmental Science and Economics to bridge the gap between ecological responsibility and practical solutions. An avid hiker, he draws inspiration from the outdoors, fueling his commitment to conservation and sustainability. Believing that real change stems from action rather than intention, Threeths engages in both advocacy and hands-on restoration efforts to create a lasting environmental impact and preserve natural landscapes for future generations.

Dasha is an environmental science student with areas of interest in conservation and ecological restoration. At home, she leads sailing camps for a nonprofit dedicated to teaching life skills through marine awareness, shaping her ecocentric worldview. She believes in the power of community, through culture, art, and collaboration, to build a sustainable future and protect the natural world that sustains us all.

Leila's upbringing in the Pacific Northwest nourished a profound love and respect for the natural world since childhood. From a young age, she has felt a duty to give back to the Earth, and is especially interested in bridging the societal gap between people and the environment. As an Environmental Science and Data Science double major, Leila is passionate about capturing the bigger picture of environmental issues in order to support conservation, restoration, and policy proposal efforts.