Scroll to learn more about your 2022 leaders and program contributors.
We can't wait to share our passions with you! |
Jenn BrousseauHi all! My name is Jenn Brousseau, and I am a Support Lead for GALS 2022. I was drawn to GALS because I know how much an appreciation for science and the natural world has shaped my life, and I’d like to help foster opportunities for the next generation of girls to join in these experiences! I love the idea of making the outdoors a more welcoming space and connecting girls with science and nature who may not have had opportunities to do so. I’ve done some backpacking around Virginia since moving here in 2019 to start my PhD in Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation Department at Virginia Tech (here is a link where you can read more about my work!). Before that, I spent several years living and working in Indonesia studying orangutans and leading groups of high school students around the rainforest as we learned about the wildlife and research taking place there. My research for my PhD no longer includes traipsing around forests but focuses instead on understanding how communities across the US are adapting to the impacts of climate change. When I’m not working on my research, I can be found hanging out with my boyfriend and cats, reading, hiking, birdwatching and catching some sweet dragonflies! |
Chloe MooreMy name is Chloe Moore and I am one of the 2022 Southwest VA GALS leaders! I am an ecology and evolutionary biology PhD student at Virginia Tech (link to my home lab!) where I study the role the environment, landscape, and species' characteristics shape where amphibians are able to survive. Growing up in Atlanta, GA, my primary outdoor activities were sports related (soccer, swimming, cross country). However, I always had a strong interest in the cool animals I'd learn about in my backyard or at the Atlanta Zoo and the things I could do to help conserve them. This eventually led me to attend the University of Georgia as a Wildlife Science major. My experience in and love of the outdoors significantly increased from the opportunities I had at UGA and after I graduated (such as snorkeling Appalachian streams looking for North America's largest salamander, tracking a mountain lion in a caldera, and climbing trees to make woodpecker nests). Eventually, I had the opportunity to be a backpacking guide for middle school students in the Sierras of California for several summers. Watching these students grow and learn in the outdoors showed me what a difference creating these opportunities and spaces can make. Reflecting on my experiences and opportunities in science and the outdoors as well, I was determined to provide a similar space in my local community. Fortunately, I heard Jacqueline Gerson talk about her experience co-founding the original GALS in NC at a scientific conference and I immediately started planning how to bring the program to SW VA. I am so excited to be a guide this year and can't wait to meet our 2022 Southwest GALS team! Lisa TaborMy name is Lisa Tabor, and I am a Support Lead for GALS 2022. I am an undergraduate transfer student in the Biological Sciences Department at Virginia Tech. I am also a tutor/mentor for high school students in the TRIO Upward Bound Programs at VT. I was introduced to the mission of GALS by Chloe, our team leader. I instantly fell in love with the idea of being able to teach and inspire a generation of girls with a love for science and nature. As a child, my family didn’t encourage a STEM career, nor did they engage in many outdoor activities. Over my lifetime, I have met people who have been influential to my passion for the wild and motivational on my path to a STEM education. I am forever grateful for those people, and I hope I can be someone that can pass on that same sentiment to others. As for experience, I have hiked Sharp Top, Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and several other trails in VA more times than I can count. I have camped in various places along the East Coast that include but are not limited to, Spruce Knob in WV, Mount Rogers in VA and the Everglades in FL. Furthering my interest in biology, I recently volunteered with the Langwig Lab at VT and assisted in data collection of bats found in caves of WV for research on white-nose syndrome. I plan to continue my pursuit of knowledge and help conserve the natural world after I graduate in the fall of 2022. I am enthusiastic about being a part of this inspirational community and sharing this unique experience with everyone involved. I look forward to meeting and learning alongside the 2022 GALS team!
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Supporting Organizers
Jenn, Chloe, and Lisa will be leading the Summer 2022 backpacking adventure, but we have additional Virginia Tech graduate students who help with planning and logistics. We are here to help you succeed!
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Click the button below to apply to our Summer 2022 program and learn with us this summer! |