People

I graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Earth Science and Anthropology. As an undergraduate, I conducted research on paleoclimate variability in the Italian Dolomites and led an outreach project providing resources and supplies to individuals facing housing challenges in the Morningside Heights community. During my sophomore year, I joined The Farmlink Project, an organization founded during the pandemic to connect farms with surplus produce to food banks in need. Over the past two summers, I led backpacking and service trips for high school students in Maine and Alaska. These experiences placed me at the forefront of pressing climate and conservation challenges and inspired me to use outdoor education to cultivate environmentally conscious leaders. I am committed to fostering resilience, self-reliance, and a passion for conservation in students by immersing them in the transformative power of the great outdoors.

I work directly with the PLT network of state and international partners to strengthen the implementation of PLT programs at SFI. I spend my weekends hiking and getting out as much as possible with my partner and two sons.

Yue Li, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Education in the School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on professional development for environmental educators, interventions to enhance learning and change behavior, and community engagement to address environmental and sustainability challenges. Her recent project explores the use of AI in environmental education to enhance teaching and learning. She collaborates with scholars across disciplines to conduct interdisciplinary research in both online and face-to-face settings and across cultural contexts. Additionally, she has taught environment and sustainability courses at Cornell and UW-Stevens Point, which have provided high quality and equitable learning opportunities for students, environmental and sustainability educators and other professionals from all over the world. She teaches the Environmental Education Program Development and Conservation Behavior courses at UF.

Mary Ford is the Senior Director of Roots & Shoots, the youth action program of the Jane Goodall Institute. Mary has an undergraduate degree in environmental science and policy from Harvard University and a master's degree in environmental management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Her career has focused on environmental education and citizen science. She has worked at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, the World Wildlife Fund, the National Audubon Society and the National Geographic Society. She has taught preschool, middle school, and high school, and has done ecology research from Borneo to Siberia. Mary has served on the board of the North American Association for Environmental Education, the Education Operating Committee for Project Learning Tree, the Advisory Board of Toyota TogetherGreen, and the board and Education Working Group of the Citizen Science Association.

I am 62 years old, married with four adult children. I have always been interested in nature/biology/ conservation and in educational theory----how and why we learn. 

Am an educator in the field of education, brings over 33 years of diverse experience in teaching, administration, researching in environmental education. A committed advocate for holistic learning. Hold a Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences and a Bachelors in Education, which complement my foundation in both academic and environmental disciplines.

Have been serving as a Scientist and Educator for over 34 Years, and presume have contributed to environmental education and School Leadership. I try combining academic excellence with practical expertise in fostering innovative learning environments.

For well over 23 years, have conducted numerous capacity-building programs, training over 3,000 professionals, including principals, curriculum developers, and educators. Notable achievements include:
- *Marine Conservation Leadership: Developed India’s first **Marine Field Guide, *Glimpses of the Gulf, which became a cornerstone for the conservation of the Gulf of Mannar's marine resources.
- *Innovation in Interpretation Centers*: Designed interactive biodiversity interpretation centers in Maharashtra and West Bengal, incorporating virtual tours, bird-call simulations, and hands-on exhibits.
- *Global Contributions*: Represented India in international conservation programs, including a training on socio-economic challenges in nature conservation in Israel.

Leadership in Education
Transitioning to School Education, I have tried to bring in my innovative vision to institutions where I've served. My focus remains on blending environmental awareness with traditional academics. I have successfully initiated projects like science fairs, heritage clubs, and digital teaching tools, ensuring holistic development for students.

Philosophy and Vision
I emphasize on self-directed learning and experiential education by fostering curiosity and responsibility among students, equipping them to face global challenges with confidence and empathy.

From my early days as a teacher to my current leadership roles, I try to inspire educators and students alike, making a lasting impact on both education and environmental conservation.