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 
With an entrepreneurial mindset cultivated as a small business owner, Rachel McDonald brings valuable expertise to the board. Her practical knowledge of basic human resources administration has been instrumental in assisting the EcoLogik Institute with both state and federal personnel compliance and the implementation of efficient payroll systems.
This hands-on experience ensures the organization's operational integrity and adherence to regulatory standards, directly contributing to its stability and capacity to achieve its mission.
Board TreasureRachel Mcdonald
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
Rita Mae Nuevo
With a bachelor’s degree in media studies from UC Berkeley, Rita Mae brings over a decade of production experience across the tech and gaming industries, including roles at Gap Inc., Glu Mobile, Electronic Arts, and more. During her time at UC Berkeley, she was an active member of Alpha Phi Omega, a community service fraternity, where she served as Class President and Historian, experiences that strengthened her passion for service and leadership. With over five years in leadership positions, she is dedicated to fostering productive, healthy, and inclusive environments where people can grow and thrive. Coming from a low-income, immigrant family, Rita Mae is a strong advocate for mentorship and expanding access to opportunities.
Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, wrestling, and exploring topics in psychology, leadership, communication, and spirituality—interests that continue to inform her people-centered approach to leadership and community building.
Board Member
Anna Korody
Board MemberAnna has a love for exploring and volunteer work, which took her to Costa Rica to research toucans in the rainforest. She has worked throughout the United States as a wildlife biologist, including conducting threatened and endangered species surveys. Her favorite field memories include mist netting bats and songbirds. She has spent a lot of time hiking in remote areas and wants to share that same joy she has for nature and science with others.
Anna brings her background in wildlife biology and passion for access to the outdoors for all to the Board. She hopes to help mentor youth in finding their voice and following their dreams.
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 ManagerProgram 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 ManagerYouth 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, where she shows every camper, apprentice, and intern that they are capable of contributing to real scientific research and meaningful 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.
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. Lisa Lundgren
Program Advisor
More about Dr. Lisa Lundgren coming soon!
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.
Paul Wynns
Program Advisor
More about Paul Wynns coming soon!
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.
Lucinda
Youth Advisor
More about Lucinda coming soon!
Maya
Youth Advisor
More about Maya coming soon!
Mayumi
Youth Advisor
More about Mayumi coming soon!
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
More about Nicole Revelo coming soon!
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
More about Dr. Ana Maria Porras coming soon!
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.