Past Web-based Learning Community Faculty
Nancy Averett
...is a freelance journalist who specializes in writing about the environment, health and fitness, psychology and business. Her work has appeared in a variety of magazines and websites including Audubon, Bicycling, Cincinnati Discover.com, Inc. and Runner's World. In addition, she teaches part-time as a journalism instructor at Miami University of Ohio. She lives in Oxford, Ohio with her husband, two daughters and two cats
Liam Kean
... Liam is currently a researcher at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) in Bethesda, MD, working in the Department of Neurology. In past research projects, Liam has studied a variety of North American vertebrate animals- porcupines, small mammals, lizards, snakes (venomous and non-venomous), and turtles, and has aided in research with endangered species. Prior to working with Project Dragonfly, Liam has instructed Ecology courses at both the Ohio State University and the University of New Hampshire. Liam completed his B.S. in Biology from St. Lawrence University, in Canton, NY, and he completed his Master's Degree from the University of New Hampshire. In his off-time Liam makes time to observe and explore organisms in their home environments - as observations are the first step to any great scientific finding.
Kristen Lucia
... is a Doctoral student in the Department of Zoology at Miami University. She received her B.S. in Biology at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and her M.S. in Zoology from Miami University. Kristen is now working on her doctorate in Zoology, studying prairie vole behavioral ecology. Bit by the teaching bug many years ago when she first began teaching for Johns Hopkins University's Center for Talented Youth, Kristen hopes to continue to find the balance between teaching and research, so she can further her love for science and the outdoors while sharing that passion with others.
Kirk Nieveen
...is currently working as a Science Director of a national educational consulting company in Milwaukee. His primary role is to assist science teachers in low performing high schools around the country to increase their capacity as effective science instructors using research-based methodologies. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Taylor University and his Master's of Secondary Science Education from Florida International University. Kirk has worked in various international educational settings during his 17 years of experience. His first teaching job was in Tegucigalpa, Honduras where he taught six different courses in an old house. He then moved to Fusagasuga, Colombia to teach English in the Andes mountains for two years before moving to South Florida where he has spent the last 12 years in various roles as an educator. International travel has been a very large part of his life-long learning process as he feels there is no greater joy in seeing the pages of the text come alive knowing that he has "been there, done that."
Enrique M. Pareja
... is currently an Adjunct Instructor at Westminster College in Missouri and teaches courses in Biodiversity and Conservation. He was a high school Science Teacher (Chemistry, Physics, and Biology) for 11 years at a British School in Lima and also taught International Baccalaurette UL/SL Biology and Chemistry during this time. Enrique also enjoys teaching field courses in the Amazon Rainforest. He was Advisor to the Peruvian Ministry of Education and the Universidad Catolica del Peru for 3 years. Enrique has been involved in research efforts related to the Nature of Science and Science Educator's Professional Development. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Science Education at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Enrique finished his B.S. in Cell Biology at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, and his M.A. in Education at the University of Bath.
José Pareja
...was brought up in Peru where he developed a passion for learning about science, the environment, and technology; teaching about science and technology; and traveling to remote and exotic places like the Amazon Rainforest and the seldom visited Andean forests. José earned his B.S. degree in Biology and a Post Graduate Certificate in Environmental Quality Management from UNALM in Peru. He then moved to the US and completed his M.S. in Ecology, and Ph.D. in Science Education from the University of Missouri. José used to work as a high school science teacher in Peru. This path led him into what he believes is one of the most humble and rewarding experiences he's had 'serving and guiding people towards accomplishing their personal and professional goals'. His interests lie in the intersection of life science, technology, science education, and sharing experiences through international collaborations.
Rodrigo Rios
... is a Bolivian Ecologist and currently serves as an invited Professor at Universidad Mayor de San Andres in Bolivia. He teaches Wildlife Management and Conservation. He enjoys teaching and has taught graduate and undergraduate courses at Saint Louis University (Missouri) and Universidad Mayor de San Andres (La Paz, Bolivia). His research interests lie within the lines of geographical ecology of species interactions using animal-plant interactions as study systems. Rodrigo has worked extensively in the Bolivian Amazon basin, and is now focusing on semi-arid highlands. He has also taught short field-based courses in Bolivia. Rodrigo completed his B.S.-Biology in Universidad Mayor de San Andres. He then came to the US and completed his M.S. in Biology at the University of Missouri, and his Ph.D. in Ecology at Saint Louis University.
Devin Schenk
... is a faculty member at the Northern Kentucky University Center for Applied Ecology. As a graduate of Miami University's Institute of Environmental Sciences, Devin has over 6 years of experience working in the environmental field. He works as project manager for many community projects, providing ecological services to local non-profit organizations, governments, and businesses. Devin also coordinates, trains, and manages student interns. As a graduate student he worked for Project Dragonfly, and fell in love with environmental education. When he has free time, Devin can be found outside exploring.