OUR TEAM
ECOLOGIK BOArd Of Directors
Samantha Wynns
EcoLogik Institute conservation biologist, IF/THEN Ambassador, researcher, mentor.
As a Queer woman with a non-traditional pathway to STEM, Sam’s passion is to uplift and support youth to follow their curiosity and to never feel limited by other people’s expectations. Sam’s mantra is, “if she can see it, she can be it.” Sam worked for 7 years as a wildlife conservation biologist and science educator for the National Park Service at Cabrillo National Monument, where she led wildlife survey efforts, trained researchers, and educated and informed tens of thousands of youth and visitors to the park.
She co-founded the EcoLogik Institute to reach underserved girls and gender-marginalized youth and connect them to the science of the public lands in their backyard. Sam is an advocate for place-based, hands-on learning that allows youth access to science learning and practice that is both culturally relevant and empowering for the youth we serve.
Executive Director
Dr. Earyn McGee
Dr. Earyn McGee is passionate about field research, herpetology, and social justice. In graduate school, she studied how drought affects lizards in arid environments and also how to increase the representation of African American women in natural resources careers. She also created a game, #FindThatLizard, to teach people about lizards and build a greater appreciation for these cool animals.
For her efforts, she's been recognized as a Forbes 30 under 30 lister, A Grist Fixer, and an emerging leader by the Wildlife Federation. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her friends, family, and her mini poodle, Puca. She is also starting a second career as a ceramic artist. Many of her pieces also feature lizard motifs.
As a Black woman in herpetology and ecology, Earyn’s passion is opening the outdoors for Black and Brown girls, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. Earyn brings her mentorship experience, research, and marketing skills to the board. Earyn’s success as a social media influencer for STEM communication is a valuable asset that aids in EcoLogik team in marketing, recruitment, and positively influencing the STEM ecosystem.
Board President
Stepping into the role of Treasurer on the Board of Directors, I bring more than 25 years of leadership in customer success across the FinTech technology sector, where I’ve built a career grounded in trust, operational excellence, and financial clarity. My professional journey has shaped a deep understanding of how strong financial stewardship fuels sustainable growth and equitable impact.
Beyond the boardroom, I’m raising a young person I strive to inspire every day, teaching them to see the good in the world and to lead with empathy. This personal mission aligns with my active involvement in DEI‑focused organizations like EcoLogik Institute, where I work to expand representation, create belonging, and champion opportunities for the next generation.
In this Treasurer role, I’m committed to pairing disciplined financial oversight with values‑driven leadership, ensuring our organization thrives while staying true to its purpose.
Board Treasure
JENNIFER dUFOUR
Mckenna Pace
Mckenna brings a strong background in science education and a deep commitment to science communication. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Science Communication and has a long-standing history with the EcoLogik Institute.
Her involvement spans several EcoLogik programs. She helped develop Science Explorers Club at Cabrillo National Monument, which teaches the public about the resources and science of the National Park Service through bite-sized science activities while also helping volunteers to develop their science communication skills. She also participated in Mentorship Mondays to reach participants virtually, and our Summer Camp experiences. She has supported youth learning through hands-on, engaging, and inclusive approaches.
Mckenna’s work reflects her passion for giving back to the programs and projects she cares deeply about, and we are thrilled to have her continue that work on our board.
Board Member
Katie Frizzi
Katie is a clinical research scientist with more than 15 years of experience advancing therapies and medical technologies across chronic pain, psychiatry, and movement disorders. Throughout her career, she has worked at the intersection of research and patient care, leading clinical trials and collaborating with scientists, physicians, and healthcare providers to bring new treatments from design to the clinic. She is especially passionate about increasing access to clinical research, reducing barriers to participation, and helping demystify science so that more people feel empowered to engage in research and healthcare decisions.
A lifelong advocate for women and girls in STEM, Katie spent more than a decade serving on the advisory board of BE WiSE (Better Education for Women in Science & Engineering), where she helped develop hands-on science programs, build mentor networks, and support students from middle school through college. Her commitment to equitable access extends into her professional work, where she has led diversity initiatives in clinical research and co-authored FDA-approved Diversity Action Plans designed to improve representation in clinical trials. She believes that mentorship, representation, and meaningful opportunities can help young people see themselves as future scientists, innovators, and leaders.
As a Board Member of the EcoLogik Institute, Katie brings expertise in scientific research, program evaluation, and collaborative leadership. She is excited to support EcoLogik's mission of empowering girls and gender-marginalized youth through inclusive, hands-on science education. Katie lives in San Diego's North Park neighborhood with her husband, three children, and two rescue pups. When she's not working or volunteering with her local school PTO, she enjoys fostering curiosity in her own children and helping build stronger connections between science and the communities it serves.
Board Member
Sydney Hamilton
Board Member
Sydney Hamilton is the founder of See Syd Soar, a platform dedicated to empowering leaders, driving innovation, and inspiring the next generation through STEM. She is an award-winning aerospace leader, author, and experienced speaker whose career includes significant work in aerospace engineering and leadership at The Boeing Company. Sydney has gained national recognition as a former White House speaker and Smithsonian presenter and was the first African American recipient of the SSPI Promise Award in 2021. She has also been featured on CBS’ Mission Unstoppable and NPR’s Wow in the World for her contributions to aerospace and STEM.
Through See Syd Soar, Sydney extends her impact beyond aerospace by helping young people and professionals build confidence, develop leadership skills, and see themselves as capable contributors to STEM and innovation. Her mission is to cultivate confident and impactful leaders across genders and generations through hands-on STEM experiences, mentorship, curated resources, and leadership development. Her work particularly emphasizes representation and helping young people recognize that they belong in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Through keynote speaking, workshops, mentorship, and initiatives such as her STEM scholarship, Sydney uses her personal journey and professional experience to inspire others to overcome barriers, pursue ambitious goals, and “soar” in their own careers and lives.
A first-generation Cuban-American who grew up in Southern Florida and is fluent in Spanish. She brings a deep personal commitment to community, equity, and curiosity to all areas of her work. Outside of professional spaces, Ivel finds joy in nature, curling up with a good book, exploring global cultures through travel and cooking shows, and spending time with her partner and their two beloved pups, Coco and Chubbs.
Professionally, Ivel has spent over a decade working in informal science education with a strong focus on social justice, equity, and access in STEM. Previously, Ivel served as the Manager of the REVISE Center at TERC, the Director of Empathy Initiatives at the Woodland Park Zoo, and was a Civic Science Fellow with the Rita Allen Foundation, where she co-developed a framework for community science in informal learning settings. Ivel holds an M.A. in Museum Studies with a STEM education focus and a B.A. in Philosophy and Anthropology.
As Secretary of the Board for the EcoLogik Institute, Ivel helps guide organizational strategy and leads efforts to deepen its commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Justice (DEIAJ). She developed the organization’s DEIAJ training and brings a long-standing passion for supporting girls and women in STEM—a focus of her thesis and past programming work. Drawn to EcoLogik’s mission and values, she is excited to help build sustainable partnerships, support grant development, and create more inclusive spaces for dialogue and transformation in environmental and STEM education.
Board Secretary
Ivel Gontan
Program Staff
Brooke Wilder
Program Manager
Program manager, large carnivore biologist, conservation researcher, and youth mentor.
A lack of math confidence almost led Brooke to forgo a STEM degree, but in the community college environment, she found the support she needed to nurture her love for science, build confidence, and embrace her neurodivergent identity within her work. That experience continues to shape her goal of showing youth that they are capable and that they belong in STEM.
Brooke went on to study Environmental Systems at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, with an emphasis in ecology, behavior, and evolution. Her research focuses on large carnivore movement through ecosystems, how people interact with species like mountain lions and coyotes, and how we can better coexist with wildlife.
Alongside her academic work, Brooke spent nearly 10 years, from high school through college, working in the San Diego Zoo’s education department, connecting youth across San Diego to wildlife and conservation.
Brooke first joined Cabrillo National Monument as an apprentice while still in college and has since grown into a vital part of the EcoLogik team, bringing with her a strong foundation in marine field methods, conservation and ecological principles, and environmental education. Her work reflects a deep commitment to engaging diverse communities and creating inclusive, meaningful learning experiences for youth.
Kaelynn Opalec
Apprentice Manager
Youth Program Manager, plant-pollinator biologist by trade, zoologist, and mentor.
Kaelynn brings the values of community, empathy, and resilience, rooted in her Filipino heritage, into all aspects of her work. As a Filipino woman in STEM, she is passionate about increasing representation and creating spaces where youth feel safe, supported, and confident using their voices.
Through her passion and curiosity, first sparked while volunteering in the tidepools, Kaelynn found her way into a science communication internship with Scientists in Parks at Cabrillo National Monument. That experience helped her find her voice and deepen her knowledge of coastal ecosystems, from plant life to intertidal ecology. She’s especially excited about involving youth in that work and helping them build their own connections to science.
Her work sits at the intersection of youth engagement and conservation, helping every community member, camper, apprentice, and intern see that they can contribute to real scientific research and make a meaningful impact through environmental stewardship. To Kaelynn, it’s important that young people see themselves in this work and recognize the impact they can have in their own communities.
ADVISORY & DESIGN
Dr. Claire Meaders
Program Advisor
Dr. Claire Meaders is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Cell and Developmental Biology department at the University of California, San Diego. During her PhD in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University Claire began working with local science outreach groups and developed an interest in evidence-based instructional practices. As a result, she pivoted her research interests and completed a discipline-based education research postdoc.
Since joining UC San Diego in 2020 she has taught biology lecture, lab, seminar, and pedagogy courses, and continues to conduct research focused on faculty instructional approaches, student learning and experiences in STEM. Outside of teaching and research Claire is an avid runner, hiker, and is often joined on adventures by her golden retriever.
Dr. Lisa Lundgren
Program Advisor
Dr. Lisa Lundgren is an associate professor at Utah State University in the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services in the Department of Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences. Dr. Lundgren researches how people learn about science topics in various contexts, including social media, schools, museums, and comic cons. With EcoLogik, Lisa researches EcoLogik’s educational impact, such as determining how youth apprentices are learning professional skills or how summer campers develop STEM identities during summer camp.
Dr. Lundgren went to Montana State University for her bachelor’s degree in History and English and her master’s degree in Science Education. She earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Florida. In her spare time, Lisa hikes, skis, gardens and plays Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering.
Paul Wynns
Program Advisor
Paul Wynns a behavioral scientist, entrepreneur, and aviator whose work explores the intersection of human behavior, technology, and design. As a doctoral researcher with the UC San Diego Design Lab, they study human-AI teaming and design science, with a particular interest in applying design thinking to complex challenges in defense and beyond.
They also serve as a co-facilitator for the U.S. Naval Institute’s DARE Innovation Workshop, where they help participants use design thinking to develop creative solutions to challenges facing the Sea Services. Outside of research and design, [Name] is a flight instructor and leader at Flex Air Flight Training, an organization focused on expanding access to aviation for non-traditional students, veterans, and aspiring pilots.
Through their work across research, aviation, entrepreneurship, and innovation, Paul is passionate about bringing people together to tackle complex problems and create meaningful, human-centered solutions.
Dr. Jaye Gardiner
Program Advisor
Jaye Gardiner received a B.A. in Biology from Macalester College and her Ph.D. in Cancer Biology from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Her graduate thesis investigated how HIV effectively spreads between cells and the consequence of that infection on cellular behavior. She completed her postdoctoral training at the Fox Chase Cancer Center where she used advanced microscopy and biochemical techniques to understand the fibrotic tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer and how the cells responsible (fibroblasts) are epigenetically regulated.
She is excited to combine her expertise while training the next generation of scientists with her own research group at Tufts University (starting September 2025). When not chasing her dreams, you can find Jaye attempting to become one with yarn (aka crocheting), chasing her pet bunny, working out, reading comics, or playing video games.
Nicole Revelo
Program Advisor
Nicole has been part of the EcoLogik Institute community since its inception and has played an essential role in shaping the organization’s mission and growth. Her early work with the Mosaics in Science program at Cabrillo National Monument helped lay the foundation for EcoLogik’s commitment to diversifying the environmental science field and expanding access to opportunities for underrepresented youth.
With experience across scientific, nonprofit, and government sectors, Nicole brings expertise in science communication, environmental planning, conservation, policy, and project management. She has helped cultivate community partnerships and incorporate technology into EcoLogik’s programming through innovative digital, mobile, and virtual tools.
Nicole has contributed to EcoLogik’s Summer Experience and supported program implementation, media, and outreach efforts, helping connect communities with environmental science through storytelling, digital media, and interactive learning. Through her leadership and collaboration, she continues to support EcoLogik’s vision of creating more inclusive, community-driven pathways into science and conservation.
Rachel Gershwin
Program Advisor
Rachel Gershwin is the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships at the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official non-profit partner of the National Park Service. Rachel leads the team that develops new corporate partnerships for the organization. Her expertise is in creating mutually beneficial relationships that drive impact and meet partners’ business and CSR objectives, including consumer activation, cause marketing, employee engagement, brand alignment, and corporate philanthropy.
Prior to joining NPF in 2022, Rachel held similar roles at Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Make-A-Wish America, where she developed national and global brand partnerships. Rachel lives in San Diego, CA and is a graduate of UCLA.
Dr. Ana Maria Porras
Program Advisor
Dr. Ana Maria Porras is a biomedical engineer and science communicator who studies the human gut microbiome, exploring how both beneficial and harmful microbes can affect our health. Her research uses biomaterials to develop models of disease and better understand the interactions between microbes and the human body.
Alongside her research, she brings science to life through an unexpected medium: crochet! She creates crocheted microbes and uses them to engage communities in the U.S. and Latin America, making complex scientific concepts more approachable and engaging. She currently serves as a Cornell Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow.
Her journey into biomedical engineering began in Colombia, where she discovered that engineering could be used to solve problems involving living things. Inspired by the possibilities of combining biology and engineering, she moved to the United States to pursue her passion for biomedical research. Today, she continues to explore the intersection of science, creativity, and public engagement.
Lucinda
Youth Advisor
Lucinda has been part of the EcoLogik Institute community since the Summer Experience and has continued her involvement by helping host EPIC D4Y with EcoLogik. A firm believer in the importance of diversity in STEM, she is passionate about increasing access to science, technology, and nature for young girls across San Diego County.
Through leading workshops, hosting conferences, and developing curriculum, Lucinda hopes to inspire and empower the next generation of scientists and environmental leaders. Looking toward the future, she hopes to pursue a career in environmental law or policy while studying environmental studies and political science. This fall, she will attend Barnard College, where she plans to study Environmental Biology and Political Science, with hopes of pursuing a future career in environmental law or policy.
Maya
Youth Advisor
Maya has been part of the EcoLogik Institute community since the Summer Experience and has continued her involvement through the Leadership Academy, co-leading summer camps as a counselor, participating in outreach events, and contributing to water quality research. Through these experiences, she has discovered a passion for teaching, science communication, and connecting with others through environmental education.
One of the highlights of Maya’s time with EcoLogik has been gaining confidence as a presenter and becoming more comfortable sharing her knowledge in different settings, including at school. She has also enjoyed building meaningful connections with fellow apprentices and contributing to a supportive community where everyone can learn and grow together.
This fall, Maya will attend the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she plans to study Marine Biology and continue exploring her passion for marine science, research, and environmental education.
Mayumi
Youth Advisor
Mayumi has been part of the EcoLogik Institute community since the Summer Experience and has continued her involvement by creating and delivering science workshops, after-school programs, and summer camps that encourage hands-on exploration of environmental science. Her experiences have included radio telemetry, tidepool monitoring, native pollinators, and native plant education.
Through EcoLogik, Mayumi has mentored youth ages 5–17, supported community science projects, and partnered with federal agencies, nonprofits, and local communities to expand access to STEM and environmental education. She has also helped lead outreach events, including teaching about gray whale migration at Cabrillo National Monument, participating in a 24-hour biodiversity survey, and supporting a STEAM fair at San Diego Comic-Con.
Mayumi is currently attending University of California, Davis, where she studies Environmental Policy and hopes to continue connecting science, policy, and community engagement to create a more equitable and sustainable future.
Isabella Miller
Program Advisor
Isabella Miller is a media producer dedicated to impactful storytelling with a portfolio spanning podcasts, comics, and films. Among her works is the documentary short AMBROSIA, which screened at the American Pavilion at Cannes in 2023. While working at Proximity Media, she contributed to a "making-of" series for the film SINNERS.
With a passion for science communication that began early as an EcoLogik apprentice at Cabrillo National Monument, Isabella strives to bridge the gap between complex topics and audience engagement.
Marty Lorenzo
Marty Lorenzo combines legal expertise, strategic thinking, and over 20 years of leadership to guide complex initiatives and organizational growth. Passionate about collaboration, problem-solving, and mentoring the next generation through youth leadership programs.
Program Advisor
Dr. Lubi Lenaburg
Program Advisor
Dr. Lubi Lenaburg bings 21 years of experience in higher education, partnering with STEM faculty, industry professionals, and education teams to design and implement evaluation strategies for research, training, and diversity initiatives. Has contributed supporting hundreds of successful proposals and major funding awards across agencies National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Specializes in developing data systems, setting measurable goals, and delivering actionable insights that drive continuous improvement and informed decision-making.
MEET OUR COMMunITY OF PARTNERS
To provide a dynamic and accessible experience for EcoLogik participants it takes an association of dedicated and visionary partners. Thank you to the organizations who have had a critical role in the success of this program and will help to expand it in the future.