Cynthia Caron writes: “Fall 2022 was busy and productive. I am part of a Clark University-UNAM team that received a National Science Foundation grant. Our project aims to use extended reality (XR) technology with municipal-level planners, farmers, and other resource managers in the watersheds surrounding Mexico City. Using GIS, remote sensing, oral history, and other data, we will create virtual worlds for resource users to inhabit and experience a range of climate change and development scenarios. Hopefully we will help transform XR into a useful planning tool. Fall 2022 was also full of secondary school visits, as Anjali will graduate eighth grade in June. While we don’t know where she’s headed yet, it certainly was a good introduction to what I imagine the college search will look like!”

Sara St. Antoine writes: “I’ve just published a new novel for teens and tweens (and their parents) called ‘Front Country’ (Chronicle Books, 2022). It’s a story about coming of age in a time of climate crisis. Most of it takes place in the mountains of Montana, and pikas feature prominently!”

Gregory Harris writes: “I enjoy living in Minnesota where for a hobby I recently ventured into producing a non-timber forest product — spruce tip syrup. Last spring, I collected about 40 pounds of early flush from white spruce near the Chippewa National Forest. Following a traditional Swedish technique, I extracted the moisture and phytochemicals from the needles to create a syrup using brown sugar. After receiving rave reviews from friends and a few local chefs, I entered it into the Minnesota State Fair, where it received a first-place prize. I plan to harvest spruce tips again this year and experiment with flavoring maple syrup to create an even more local and decolonized syrup.”

David Moffat writes: “Carol and I continue to love living in Victoria, BC, and spending good parts of the winter remote working and cross-country skiing on our ‘local’ mountain. We are a bit intimidated by the plan to renovate our little cottage on the Juan de Fuca but overjoyed to be upgrading the heating system from cups of tea and big sweaters. It brings back memories of Diana Wheeler’s beach house our first year. Inlandsis closed on its second climate impact fund in December 2022, and I have such fun running into alums in the conservation and carbon worlds all the time. On a sad note, I was sorry that T Swayze ’92 passed away this summer, just a week after we were to get together. He hired me as a summer intern at the World Bank and we stayed in touch ever since. I have high hopes of seeing lots of classmates this summer and even more at next year’s reunion!”

Eileen (Cates) Stone writes: “Hello from upstate New York. I have been enjoying raising California Red sheep with the family and working on renewable energy transactions for Scout Clean Energy’s mergers and acquisitions group. Scout is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, and I travel to Boulder frequently. I would love to catch up if you pass through the Saratoga Springs, New York area or when I am out in Boulder.”

Karen Terwilleger writes: “I’m still living in Olympia, Washington, with two bossy Chihuahuas and trying to tame my 1.5 acres. My family did have a passing last year … my dear father passed away. He was a wonderful, gentle soul. He lived a very full 90 years. He married the love of his life. He was a craftsman — wood and iron. We made lots of sawdust in our shop. Lately we were using heirloom wood — creating beautiful new things out of old restored wood. He was the reason I became a forester. I miss him. Please hug all of your loved ones very tight. Life is far too short to miss any moments. Have a glorious summer!”

Jane Whitehill writes: “I’m working in drug development, continuing to be surprised but happy that I can combine an interest in how things work (that’s the forest science part) with an interest in setting my own schedule (as a medical writer, I have to have my material in on Tuesday at 10 a.m. if I say it’ll be in on Tuesday at 10 a.m., but I can go see an old noir movie on Monday night if I’m willing to work when I get home). Plus, Lyman is flourishing in Chicago and I’m flourishing more generally.”

Kelly Hogan writes: “After 11 years in the Midwest, I’ve headed back to my PhD-granting university as an assistant research professor in biochemistry and molecular biology at the Eberly College of Science at Penn State. My research focuses on reproductive aging with a special interest in ‘gerontogens,’ which are toxicants that induce tissue aging. Always thrilled to connect with YSE folks — my most enjoyable classmates!”

James Jiler writes: “I have recently purchased a coffee plantation (4,200 altitude) with forest acreage on the slope of Poás Volcano in Costa Rica. I am constructing cabinas to create a sanctuary resort and restoring the surrounding area with native trees to provide habitat and canopy cover in this cloud forest system. All are welcome, especially during the coffee harvest.”

MK Dorsey writes: “I was appointed the new chair and director of the Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Service at Arizona State University and extended a concurrent appointment as professor of practice in the College of Global Futures. Looking forward to collaborating with alums, current students, faculty, and many others.”

Steve Dunn writes: “Last fall I shifted positions at the Department of Energy, from the world of residential energy efficiency programs that I have worked in since 2010 to a new role supporting grants to states, local governments, and Indian tribes through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program, which received $550 million through the bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Our funding is going to all 50 states, D.C., and six U.S. territories. I am working with Kate Donatelli ’20 and many other talented climate- and energy-minded professionals. I would love the opportunity to meet up with former classmates or alums in my travels. Last summer my son and I hiked our first 14er, Handies Peak near Lake City, Colorado. Maybe Mount Yale will be our second climb next summer!”

Alison Ormsby writes: “I am the sustainability director at the University of North Carolina Asheville and co-edited the book ‘Religion and Nature Conservation: Global Case Studies,’ recently published by Routledge. I also have a chapter in the book ‘Spiritual Values and Ecosystem Services of Sacred Groves in Karnataka, India,’ co-authored with Smitha Krishnan.”

Kelly Keefe writes: “I’m enjoying working for the Army Corps of Engineers, especially doing ecosystem restoration. For over 10 years I lived in Florida working on Everglades restoration and projects to reduce coastal storm flooding. Recently I moved to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where I live on the rolling, forested bluffs of the Mississippi River. I oversee the planning of Army Corps projects throughout the Mississippi Valley from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. There are endless opportunities here to restore estuaries, coasts, bottomland forests, and riverbanks while working with great teams in every state that touches the river. Before moving, I was awarded a Department of the Army Civilian Service Commendation Medal, an honorary award presented by the United States Army to civilian employees for commendable service and achievement, and I hope to continue such public service in my new role. Please send me postcards from your faraway places: Kelly Keefe, P.O. Box 820228, Vicksburg, MS 39182. Cheers!”

Jon Kohl writes: “This year along with my nonprofit, PUP Global Heritage Consortium, we are working on two projects of possible interest to fellow Yalies: 1) a 12-day study abroad program in Costa Rica for university students studying the evolution of protected area planning paradigms throughout human history, and 2) a new kind of natural and cultural heritage toolbox called the Biocultural Heritage Collaboratory. Unlike most free and open toolboxes on the internet that do not have income and thus cannot hire editors/curators, our collaboratory is subscription based and will work to help users identify, learn, and adapt tools in the field and with communities. We are still building it and welcome interested parties — both individuals and organizations — who feel that there has to be a better way to find, learn, and apply conservation and management tools.”

José Juan Terrasa-Soler writes: “Last January, I led a group of research fellows from the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health on a tour of the El Portal de El Yunque Visitor Center, which was recently awarded LEED Gold certification. I was the landscape architect for this facility at the entrance to El Yunque National Forest in eastern Puerto Rico.”

Peter Yolles writes: “Jill and I have now launched both of our kids into college (Amanda at Bates and Sam at Colorado College), and we are enjoying this new free bird phase. Funny coincidence: Amanda is taking her first economics course at Bates from Professor Lynne Lewis, from whom I took my first econ class at YSE. I’ve also launched a new venture fund, Echo River Capital, to invest in early-stage water and climate technology companies. It’s an exciting time to support entrepreneurs around the world who are digitizing, decentralizing, and decarbonizing the water economy. If you’re starting a company or seeking a new position in the water-tech space, please get in touch! I completed the LeCiel Foundation’s Holistic Visions training that brought together 144 global leaders in the environment and the creative arts to help craft a new narrative for relating to and caring for nature. Check it out if this resonates with you.”

Sylvia (Stone) Busby writes: “I had so much fun catching up with Peter Kostishack and his lovely family when they were in San Diego in January. I continue to work at The Nature Conservancy as a donor communications specialist. I hope to visit other YSE classmates in the Northeast this summer or fall while visiting colleges with my older daughter.”

Ashley (Prout) McAvey writes: “I created an all-volunteer, statewide organization with the sole mission to have Vermont join the other states in the nation to ban the sale of imperiled wildlife parts. After eight years of leading a grassroots campaign of countless events including movie screenings, marches, talks, articles, speaking in kids’ classrooms, networking with legislators, and delivering dozens of pieces of testimony at the Statehouse, on October 8, 2020, Governor Phil Scott signed H.99 into law, making Vermont the12th state in the nation to put an end to illegal wildlife trafficking (more information at www.vermontforwildlife.org). Thirty-seven states have yet to act — please find out if your state has taken action!” ashley96@aya.yale.edu

Jen Osha Buysse writes: “Hello, friends! I am happy and healthy, living in the mountains of West Virginia with my husband and two sons. I am the co-founder of the Mountain Stewardship and Outdoor Leadership School, whose mission is to connect with the natural world to cultivate leaders for a just and resilient Appalachia. I am also a fellow at the Center for Resilient Communities at West Virginia University. I am continuing to pursue a combination of emergency medicine and herbalism and am thrilled to be able to certify students in wilderness medicine. I am working now on extending the reach of our little school and would love to connect with others about outdoor education and supporting our youth.” 

Tracy Scheffler Melbihess writes: “Recently took on a position as assistant state supervisor with U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Idaho. Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Hope you are leading big lives wherever you are — stay strong.”

Georgia Silvera Seamans writes: “I am an adjunct professor at NYU teaching a course about the social and environmental history of urban parks in the U.S. I host a podcast called ‘Your Bird Story,’ which is in its third season. In May, I plan to visit Shimona Quazi and Rusaslina Idrus ’02 in Singapore and Malaysia.”

Sarah Canham writes: “In October 2022, I accepted the position of state botanist for the Oregon/Washington Bureau of Land Management. After 12 ½ years as a botanist with the Prineville, Oregon, District of the Bureau of Land Management, this promotion comes with new challenges and opportunities as an advocate for botanical resources while still allowing for fieldwork. It was great to reunite with so many fun YSE personalities, especially from the extraordinary Class of 2002, at the reunion!”

John Homan writes: “Gregg and I had a fun travel year visiting Wyoming and the Black Hills of South Dakota on our drive to see every state (currently at 48!) and then a trip in the fall to northern Italy. Still working for the Bank of America, newly co-leading a wealth management team. We’re up in Cornwall in Litchfield County on the weekends. Give a holler if you’re ever in the area.”

Colleen Ryan writes: “I’m happy to report that, after a few years of consulting for the New England Forestry Foundation, I now work for them full time synthesizing and interpreting science related to climate-smart forestry. Last month I was able to Zoom with Stephanie Perles, who is doing interesting work on forest resiliency, among other things, for the National Park Service in Pennsylvania. I’m living in the beautiful White Mountains of New Hampshire with my 6-year-old son and would love to see any classmates who pass through the area. The’02 reunion in October was a blast; it was amazing to see so many of you there and to show the current Forestry Club how things were done in the good old days.”

Becky Tavani writes: “OMG, what an amazing 20-year reunion we had last October. It’s been a while since I wrote, but I just wanted to say what a blast the Class of 2002 had during reunion weekend! Kudos to the organizing committee, who spoiled us from beginning to end. And a particular hats off on the food selection. I had an amazing time meeting up with fellow classmates Josh Zaffos, Shane Duigan, Sarah Canham, Citlali Cortes, Roberto Frau, Colleen Ryan, Hatsy Moore ’06, Carrie Magee, Rachel Fertik, Vic Edgerton, Marc Stern, Kim Thurlow, Kendra Kinscherf, Neal Etre, Derik Frederiksen, Philip Rigdon, and Rebecca Rundquist, to name a few! And seeing Professor Mark Ashton ’85 was the cherry on top. It was wonderful hearing how much the School has grown and evolved over these last 20 years. We even made time for maintaining our traditional Sage Boy midnight mischief. Next time we need more time with the new students to pass on more of our mischief! I’m still in Rome working on national forest monitoring for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UNFAO). My team is always looking for possible consultants and interns with a focus on forest sampling and geospatial skills in land use change assessment.”

Alvaro Redondo-Brenes ’10 PhD writes: “I am celebrating 10 years as general manager of MTF Teca of Costa Rica. Producing timber in a socially and environmentally proper way!”

Gonzalo Griebenow writes: “After many COVID-related delays, I finally moved to Panama in January 2022 to start work with the United Nations World Food Programme as a regional sustainability advisor. I am looking forward to meeting with YSEers in the region since I will be traveling all over LAC countries. Please shoot me a message if you are around!”

Luisa Fernanda Lema Vélez writes: “After surviving a pandemic while doing consultancy work for different multilaterals, I went back to being an employee for the Inter-American Development Bank. I moved to Paraguay, where I take care of the portfolio related to the environment, agriculture, and tourism. It is quiet but nice down here. I had the opportunity to spend New Year’s with Inés Angulo ’05, in Bolivia.”

Alison Rau writes: “I’m currently the legal director for the environmental conservation branch of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. I work with law and policy on solutions for rogue bears, safer state parks, better fish passage, and keeping our beautiful outdoor places welcoming for everyone. My kids are Calvin, 7, and Tily, 4, and are already pros at climbing trees and swimming. My husband has dreams of scaling West Rock with them this summer!”

Erin Barnes writes: “Founded by three graduates of YSE, the national non-profit organization ioby will be honoring our former Dean Gus Speth at our 15th anniversary gala in Brooklyn, New York, on July 13, 2023. Please join us to celebrate Gus’s long and impactful career and see some fellow YSE friends at the same time. Reach out to dana@ioby.org to purchase a ticket.

Todd Gartner writes: “An F&ES/YSE alumni group was officially established in southwestern Colorado in 2022 including graduates spanning a 23-year period. The group gathers quarterly, often including significant others and children, to share professional and life updates. Friendships have been made and collaborations born with gatherings expanding to include hiking, table tennis, and happy hour get-togethers. Members include Lisa Mastny ’98, joint-degree MEM/MA in international relations, currently doing independent consulting with international agencies on energy, climate, and sustainable lifestyles issues; Lydia (Dixon) Lawhon ’03, adjunct lecturer with the master’s of the environment program at the University of Colorado Boulder and executive director of the Durango Nordic Ski Club; Maya Kane, partner, Southwest Water and Property Law LLC; Todd Gartner, Cities4Forests and natural infrastructure director at the World Resources Institute; Jason Lawhon ’11, USFS, San Juan National Forest, and Southwest CO Shared Stewardship program manager; Nick Olson ’16, southwest Colorado program coordinator for the National Forest Foundation; Lindsey Ratcliff ’16, associate attorney at a water law firm specializing in water rights transactions, master plans, and compliance with federal environmental laws; Austin Rempel ’18, senior manager of forest restoration at American Forests; and Tony Cisneros ’21, senior consultant at Deloitte.”

Rachel Wilson writes: “After a 14-year stint as an energy and environmental consultant, I left Synapse Energy Economics in February 2022. During my time there, I became colleagues (and friends!) with Avi Allison ’15 and Divita Bhandari ’14. I worked on a number of cases across the country, evaluating the impact of replacing existing fossil-fueled units with renewables and energy storage and had Josh Berman ’08 as my client a handful of times! In one of my last projects at Synapse, I testified as an expert witness on behalf of Australia’s Environmental Defenders Office in the Land Court of Queensland seeking to deny a permit to a proposed coal mine, and we won! It was a huge victory for the climate and a major career milestone. I’m now leading strategy and market development at Form Energy, working to build a battery capable of dispatching stored energy over multiple days to help decarbonize the electric grid. Happy to talk energy anytime!”

Ali Akram writes: “Living and working in D.C. with my wife and three children.”

Ashley (Roberts) Joy writes: “By the time you read this, some joyful creative endeavors will have come to pass for my husband, Matt, and me. Phase One of the ongoing sustainable addition/renovation to our 1910 Craftsman will be complete. Matt has done all of the work, from the earthworks to the cabinet building and everything in between. I inform our design and sustainability. We took great effort (and so much time!) to complete this project with local and nontoxic materials. We used real wood (no OSB or plywood) in our construction, including local rough-cut lumber for sheeting as well as tongue and groove pine for subflooring. We salvaged and reused the sheeting boards and have given away so much wood over the project that our fellow townsfolk nicknamed our house ‘Free Wood.’ And last but not least, we will be making the first human addition to the Joy residence, as we are expecting a bundle of Joy in early June.”

Paula Randler writes: “Two and a half years ago, I moved to Tucson, Arizona, where I now live with partner, Gabe, and dog Buster and work in the Forest Service doing special projects in the Enterprise Program and serving FS units nationwide by facilitation, convening processes, project management, and employee coaching. I also write and coach at paularandler.com. I have two loving stepsons: Max, a newly minted Harvey Mudd grad, and Nathaniel, who just finished his freshman year at Northern Arizona University studying environmental science. We enjoy hiking and biking in the cooler seasons, and in summer we like to escape to shady and coastal climes. In the past year, I’ve enjoyed seeing Kelsey (Kidd) Wharton, Terry Baker ’07, and Kara DiFrancesco, and I get to work with many YSE alumni at the Forest Service. Please say hi when you’re in Tucson!”

Yuliya Shmidt writes: “I am living on the small island of Alameda near San Francisco with my partner, Andre; 9-month-old child, Misha; and black cat, Leia. I am an advisor to a commissioner at the California Public Utilities Commission, working on a variety of climate-related energy policy issues. I’m figuring out how babies work as well as how to take them on hikes and bike rides.”

Kelsey Kidd Wharton writes: “Life is full, happy, and noisy with our family of five. I continue to enjoy writing personal essays and am kicking off the 10th season of co-hosting a podcast, which continues to be fulfilling. Out of concern for the dwindling water supply and the impacts of climate change here in Arizona, last year Chris and I purchased a second home in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We fell in love with the city and look forward to spending more time exploring the Midwest. We plan to stay in Arizona for now but are thankful to have a Plan B. I have enjoyed seeing Paula Randler, who lives just down the road in Tucson.”

Elise (Rindfleisch) Paeffgen writes: “I was thrilled to spend a week hiking in the Jungfrau region of Switzerland with classmate Amir Nadav last August. We enjoyed the alpenglow, spectacular views, and lots of time catching up.”

Esteban Rossi writes: “Monin tru olgeta y un saludo para todos. I’m working in Papua New Guinea on the glorious island of New Ireland with Matt Brewer ’08. We are doing our best to reduce deforestation, make the first good maps of customary clan lands, learn a little pidgin talk (toktok pisin-liklik tasol), and sell some cacao. Also, we started building an eco-resort in a place called Samo with some friends from a clan called Tahima. Please feel free to stop by when you can. Papua is almost walking distance from Australia. And keep in mind that in Melbourne, Steph Niall ’10 and Nick Aberle will be happy to see you. Abrazos y mucho love.”

Kathryn Au writes: “Who’s in the Boston area and down to hang out? I just moved to Medford/Somerville last year and recently got engaged to a fellow Yalie from my undergraduate days. Started making jun kombucha. Looking forward to more fermenting and cooking projects in the coming months.”

Jen Baldwin writes: “After four great years in South Africa working on electrification with Power Africa, my next USAID post will be in Jamaica, where I will focus on adaptation and resilience. Ian Starr ’11 and kids Linden and Cedar are getting excited to trade safaris for sandcastles!”

Jason Brown writes: “I am now a continuing lecturer for Simon Fraser University. I have been teaching some great courses in ecological humanities including ‘Trees, Forests, and the Human Imagination” and “Death, Disease, and Disaster in the Ecological Humanities.’ Stay tuned for classes on birds in the humanities and the spirituality of walking and pilgrimage. Hoping to gather some resources for a contemplative forestry program in some form or another. Still writing at www.holyscapes.org.”

Alyssa Go writes: “Aram Marks ’10 and I welcomed a baby boy into the world and survived his first year! I’m also now in my sixth year leading the sustainability/impact program at an investment and asset management firm focused on agriculture, water, and renewable energy. Would love to connect with others in impact investing and ag!”

Rita Effah writes: “Had a wonderful opportunity in November 2022 to return to YSE to speak at the BIOMES Speaker Series (alumni can attend virtually!) on ‘Financing Climate Action in Africa.’ While at YSE, I also had an informal roundtable meeting with members of the Africa SIG to share my experience and talk about career opportunities in Africa. I am in my fifth year in Abidjan working with the Climate Change and Green Growth department at the African Development Bank. Looking forward to meeting other YSE alumni or students who may be coming through here.”

Sameer Kwatra writes: “I’m in my eighth year with NRDC in D.C. working on climate and clean energy. I was fortunate to meet with several classmates at COP27 in Egypt. My daughter, Ajooni, is now 9 years old and already thinking of college admissions! I love to reconnect with YSEers across years, so give me a shout if you are in the D.C. area.”

Daniela Marini writes: “I am pleased to share that, besides having been reappointed an assistant professor in the Integrative and Intercultural Studies department at Grand Valley State University, I became a mushroom enthusiast! Michigan forests and shoreline offer habitat diversity for fungi of all colors and shapes and memorable camping spots. Let me know if you are around.”

Bhavya Sridhar writes: “After Yale, I completed a PhD in microbial biogeochemistry at Cornell, where I uncovered microbiomes that help store carbon in soil. I then trained in data science, and my job now involves marrying the scientific method to art. My husband and I have made the Upper East Side of Manhattan our home and we’re happy to have welcomed a daughter, Athira Heath-Sridhar, this year.”

Pablo Torres writes: “Life is good in Durham, North Carolina. I am working on USAID projects on climate and energy in developing countries. For hobbies, I’ve taken an interest in backyard gardening, and my two young daughters enjoy harvesting!”

Shelly Barnes Thomsen writes: “Still living in beautiful Lake Tahoe and just started a new role as director of public and legislative affairs for the water/sewer district. This means more trips to D.C. and Sacramento in the future, so give a holler if you’re in the area to hang out!”

Andrew Zingale writes: “Recently relocated to Playa Vista, California.”

Ben Goldfarb writes: “Greetings, all! In early 2022 my wife, Elise, and I moved to Salida, Colorado, a beautiful enclave in the Arkansas Valley some three hours southwest of Denver. Our new home has a guest room at which all YSE students and graduates are welcome. In other news, this September my next book, ‘Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet,’ will be published by W.W. Norton & Company. I drew heavily upon my MEM coursework for this one, and sharp-eyed readers will recognize the influence of Susan Clark, Michael Dove, and other Yale legends. Let me know if you ever find yourself in central Colorado — I’d love to take you hiking, fishing, or beaver watching!”

Vanessa Lamers writes: “Although I’m still stuck in COVID world, I hope 2023 brings me back to my environmental health roots. Hoping all my friends received their bivalent boosters. Love, Vanessa.”

Luke Tyree writes: “I am the founder and managing director of NDPonics, an Indigenous-led foundation that has acquired 1,000 acres of wildlands in the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. I am principal partner of the DEIJ consulting business Kedge Conservation, working with USFS, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and numerous corporations advising on BIPOC grantmaking and Indigenous science field application.”

Angel Hertslet writes: “Howdy! My big news is I had a baby! Little Zora Acadia was born last January and has been doing some moving and grooving in her Yale forestry gear. When I’m not baby wrangling, I’m working for The Nature Conservancy on forest restoration in California.”

Mike Johnson writes: “In 2022, I left the salmon world of the Puget Sound Partnership (and fellow YSEers Tristan Contesse ’09 and Dan Stonington ’05) and transitioned to carbon world, where I am now the auction lead for Washington state’s new GHG emissions cap-and-invest program. Gavel not included, apparently, but it’s been exciting to team up with other YSE grads in public service in Washington (Joel Creswell ’06, Rich Doenges ’88, and more). My wife, Leah, continues to utilize her experience from the EFFY marketing team now doing communications for the City of Tacoma Office of Environmental Policy and Sustainability, and we both enjoy our full-time jobs raising daughter Isla, who turns 2 in June.”