Current Fellows

Jill Aire

I am from Las Vegas, Nevada and I plant to attend graduate school after completing my undergraduate studies. I would like employers to know that I am hardworking, passionate, and multidimensional.

Zoe Ansbro

I am from Portland, Oregon and after graduation I hope to work in a conservation specific position doing hands on field work. I am hard working, self-motivated, empathetic, and driven by making connections with other people and places.

Grace Elizabeth Baker

I am from Vancouver, Washington and upon graduation I hope to join an engineering firm with emphasis in natural and circular systems. I am hardworking and not afraid to get my hands dirty, literally and figuratively. I continuously strive to learn every day. I can succeed in both teamwork and independent settings. I have experience in field work from previous positions and am currently a lab tech in an engineering lab on campus. I have experience using HEC-RAS and ArcGIS. I am willing to learn new software or programs required for a job experience.

Isabel Blacklidge

I am from Ashland, Oregon and I am specializing in fish and wildlife conservation within my natural resources degree, so I hope to focus my career on wildlife conservation upon graduation. I am particularly interested in habitat management to protect sensitive wildlife species, as well as collecting data on wildlife populations to inform conservation strategies. A skill that I am proud to bring anywhere is my ability to foster harmony. Whether it is collaborating on a team with diverse perspectives or balancing the needs of both humans and wildlife, I strive to find common ground and create solutions that support coexistence.

Brian Michael Burgess

Fish and Wildlife Conservation

I am from Coupeville, Washington and after graduation I hope to invest my time and passion into another venture which aligns with my goals for the future. I have a strong drive and determination geared towards accomplishing tasks and discovering new routes to success when needed. I find working with others, at all levels, as a rewarding part of the job and a way to improve myself and my work.

Lauren Camou

Hello, I am Lauren Camou, a student of Oregon State University studying Environmental Pre-Law for Water Resources. I am a highly motivated student working in the ASOSU as the Presidential Affairs Director. Leadership Academy has developed my relationship with my own leadership, and the leaders around me, by cultivating compassion, self/social management, and the ability to inspire effective change in a community. Through this experience, I know myself better, and I am optimistic for my future of leadership and inspiring others. Post graduation, I hope to attend graduate school to become an environmental lawyer and advocate for water resources rights and management.

RyLee Demianew

I am from Pendleton, Oregon and after graduation I hope to become a Ag teacher. I am willing to step out of my comfort zone to gain skills and knowledge in agriculture.

Cain Diaz

I am from Yamhill, Oregon and a second year study Animal Science and Bioresource Research with options in animal biohealth as well as animal reproduction and development. I am a pre-vet student and am hoping to go into mixed practice working with companion animals and large animals. Leadership skills are vital to my career due to the high necessity for interpersonal communication skills required for successful interactions with clients, as well as for my eventual interview for applying to vet school. After graduation I hope to attend Veterinary School to become a veterinarian.

Griffin Fosback

I am from Eugene, Oregon and my goal is to become a wildlife biologist, ideally within the Pacific Northwest. I'd like future employers to know that I flourish both on a team and independently. I pay extreme attention to detail when following protocols for experiments and fieldwork alike, and I adapt to changes as they come.

Magge Gilbert

Hi, I’m currently a senior studying Animal Sciences. I have always had a love for animals and I have grown a love for public speaking. I discovered I could combine these two passions when I was asked to give a speech for an ambassador certification program. I had the opportunity to bring in my Old English Labrador, Demi. I saw the smiles on everyone’s faces, evoked questions, and learned that I could make a difference through my abilities. The Leadership Academy has helped me enhance my communication, time management, creative problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills, to name a few. I have learned that I can make a difference by serving people and advocating for our four-legged friends. Although I may not know what exactly that entails for a career right now, I do know my abilities can take me down a multitude of paths.

Andrew Harding

I am from Redmond, Oregon and after graduation I hope to  continue to work in wildland fire. I'm a very hands on worker and enjoy being challenged with a task. I am very motivated and goal driven person, along with seeing the results of my work at the end of a long day. I have wide set of practical skills that include things like operating a chainsaw and basic knowledge of engine maintenance that I have acquired over the last few years. I'm also a fully certified wildland firefighter type 2 working towards completing my type 1 and IC5 taskbooks.

Nakayda Jacobs

I am from Eugene, Oregon and upon graduation I hope to pursue work that focuses on community engagement, education, and collaboration. My passion for natural resources is rooted in the interactions between people, their values, and the environment. I aspire to work with diverse stakeholders, including tribal communities, scientists, and local groups. I would love to contribute to an environmental nonprofit or explore opportunities with OSU Extension Services, or any role that integrates social and natural sciences. Leadership academy has taught me a lot about communication, emotional intelligence, and relationship building, but most importantly it has shown me how to be a team player. I think the best way for a team to succeed is by lifting each other up and showing up. My background within the human dimensions part of natural resources has taught me the importance of conflict management and a community based approach to land management.

Kendra Jensen

I am from Wahoo, Nebraska and after graduation my current vision is earn a master's degree and my career vision is studying human behavior with climate change and/or teaching leadership concepts and ideas to other future leaders. I am optimistic, highly driven and always looking for ways to create a past impact on the world around me.

Ellyzabeth Jones

I am from Bend, Oregon and after graduating I plan to intern with Pacific Landscape Management and hope to pursue a master's degree at OSU, focusing on sustainable landscapes. I've overcome significant personal challenges that shaped me into a resilient, motivated individual. My journey has fueled a strong work ethic and a desire to grow as a leader. I aim to use my strengths to support others and create positive impact in both my community and career.

Bayly Kahle

I am from Seattle, Washington and after graduation I hope to enter the world of wildlife biology by becoming a field technician at first and eventually being able to work on research projects about important wildlife in order to become a certified wildlife biologist. I care deeply about the conservation and those around me. I am constantly looking for ways to make things better whether that be improving upon the methods of a research project, or moving people to different tasks to find what each person excels at. I work well leading and as a team member helping to guide people to meet an end goal.

Caitlin Kirkpatrick

I am from Sherwood, Oregon and upon graduation I hope to enter the nursery industry. I am interested in bareroot production and plant health. I would like an employer to know that I learn quickly and can be very vercitile. I'm good at managing myself and am task oriented.

Danica Kloes

I am from Everett, Washington and upon graduation I am considering taking a year to work in a law firm to see if I want to go to law school in the future. Otherwise, I plan to try and obtain a position at a government agency in Oregon or Washington state. I am a "non-traditional" student who worked for a few years after graduating high school before attending university. This allowed me to gain experience in a workplace setting and hone many different skills including communicating, time management, and attention to detail.

Elijah Lancy

I am from Eugene, Oregon and I am a sophomore majoring in forest management and a member of the OSU SAF student chapter. I really enjoy taking on new challenges and am always looking for opportunities to become a more holistic individual. I came into the leadership academy as a very independent person, but wanted to develop more interpersonal / leadership skills and build my network. I believe these skills will help me bring the best out of myself and my peers both professionally and personally. After graduation I hope to work full time for a timber company in Western Oregon.

Kol Mael

I am from Washougal, Washington and after graduation I hope to work as a forest engineer for a private timber company. I am a hardworking, responsible person that has a passion for natural resources and learning new things.

Elana Mansfield

I am from Sisters, Oregon and I am a very hardworking and dedicated student who prioritizes my professional development through various activities and courses. I pride myself on being a responsible, reliable, and team-orientated employee and student.

Isabella Martinez

I am from North Plains, Oregon and after graduation I hope to go right into an internship or the work force! I want to gain some field work and hands on experience before I go back for my Masters degree! I am a hardworking and driven student looking for an opportunity to improve my skills and gain more hands on experiences. I have experience in wildlife rehabilitation and animal handling, as well as understand core concepts through self led research for wildlife management and conservation. I also have years of experience in leadership roles such as events and programming and customer service as a student trainer among other jobs. I am open to challenges and am a great communicator and people person. I would be happy to talk more about my capabilities!

Nicholas McClaskey

I am from Flagstaff, Arizona and after graduation I hope to work in the National Park Service. I’ve had a lot of experience in various leadership positions, and am extremely adaptable and easy to train. Whether it’s maintenance work or educating others, I can fit in essentially any role when it comes to outdoor recreation and I love working with other people.

Khalia Mork

I am from Altoona, Wisconsin and after graduation I hope to be involved in stakeholder engagement and community outreach based around natural resource and conservation issues. I hope to be directly involved with communities that are impacted by these issues and work with them to develop sustainable and effective solutions. I am incredibly motivated by my desire to contribute to something greater than myself. I hope to create a lasting impact and contribute to improving and empowering of communities. I thrive working within a team as well as independently. I value being in and contributing to fostering a supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and growth.

Gracie Neher

I am from Fort Worth, Texas and after graduation I plan to pursue graduate study in climate science with the goal of eventually earning a PhD and starting a career as a researcher. I love work that challenges me, drives me to think in new ways, and makes a meaningful contribution to society which is why research and science in general are so appealing to me. I also enjoy thinking about and working at the intersection of science and policy to come up with solutions to the environmental issues we're being faced with today.

Charlie Nolte

I am from Brookings, Oregon and after graduation I hope to attend veterinary school and become a veterinarian. I am very ambitious and ready to take on any task that comes my way. With Leadership Academy, I have been able to discover within myself what it takes to become the best leader I possibly can be. I love to build connections and relationships with others and learn what I can about the people around me. With clear communication and drive, I believe that I can do anything I put my mind to and lead others to do the same.

Genavieve Pavlicek

I am from Mount Angel, Oregon and after graduation I hope to attend graduate school then start working on the family farm full time. I am a great leaner, while I may not know how to do everything right away, I'm proud of my ability to adapt quickly and learn whatever is needed.

Oliver Putnam

I am from Salem, Oregon and upon graduation I hope to work in parks and recreation management. I have a passion for parks and nature. My main career goal is to manage parks to allow for recreation without it causing harm to the vegetation, wildlife, and quality of the parks.

Kayla Marie Reede

I am from Dallas, Oregon and when it comes to organizing that is my jam! I am very good at getting into organizing and finding out more effective models and systems to organize.

Marie France 'Frankie' Ruppert

I am from Washington, DC and although I am still deciding, I am interested in working with food research and development with a focus on chronic illnesses. I have a wide range of skills and am up for a lot of different rolls! I would like to work in a position with the goal of bettering the lives of others.

Ruby Scanlon

I am from Fairbanks, Alaska and after graduation I hope to attend graduate school, and eventually have a career in the science industry developing novel therapeutics. I do an excellent job working in groups, but also independently. I have a background in research from which I have learned the importance of failure and I am not afraid to own up to mistakes. I start each task with an open mind and I am not afraid to ask questions! I am a very good listener and thoughtful leader.

Leah Twede

I am from Silverton, Oregon and after graduation I was originally interested in biological agronomy, but now I am open to other areas in agriculture such as sustainable food production and education. I am a highly passionate individual who loves to make personable connections with others, find unique solutions to problems, and work with resilience. I am looking for a part-time to full-time job this fall 2025. If there is interest, I would love to talk further!

Angelica Vityukov

I am from Salem, Oregon and after graduation I hope to to do fishery research, or anything related to freshwater ecology in a graduate program, or as a career following graduation. I am currently conducting independent research on anchorworm parasite prevalence in native freshwater fish within the Willamette Basin, Oregon on fish within the OSU collection. With 3600 specimens examined, and counting, I have gotten a lot of lab experience and will be analyzing this data for future publication. I am also interning for amphibian survey work along Mary's Peak this summer under the guidance of a PhD student. This project aims to investigate the potential influence of basin-wide forest management on summer streamflow and the habitat, occupancy, and abundance of headwater amphibians. I aim to use experiences like these to make me into a well rounded young professional that can offer good communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills both in the lab and in the field.

Birgitta Wooss

I am from Alameda, California and after graduation I hope to pursue an MS Program in Botany Plant Pathology. I am a hard working, diligent person with a desire to always be learning. I hope to be part of agriculture or forestry research, contributing to environmental sustainability and discovering new methods against plant pathogens and their diseases.

Annalise Whitaker

I am from Denver, Colorado and after graduation I hope to find a fulfilling job or research opportunity in outdoor education and recreation management. I am passionate about equitable access to the outdoors. My mission is to research and create alternatives to providing access to our Great Outdoors.