Our Team
The Adirondack Watershed Institute is powered by a talented and passionate team of scientists and stewards, artists and educators, field and laboratory technicians, and research and policy professionals dedicated to protecting Adirondack waters. Many of our staff are graduates of Paul Smith's College, and several serve as faculty affiliates, helping bridge education, research, and real-world environmental stewardship. We also provide meaningful seasonal employment opportunities for Paul Smith’s students and community members, fostering the next generation of environmental leaders. Together, under the leadership of the Executive Director, our team works to advance science-based solutions and ensure the long-term health of Adirondack lakes, rivers, and wetlands for future generations.
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Annie Arnold
Watershed Educator
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Alec Cimini
Graduate Research Fellow
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Bobby Clark
Field Operations Manager
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Maureen Cunningham
Executive Director
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Jennifer Denny, M.S.
Stewardship Program Assistant Director
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Michale Glennon, Ph.D.
Director of Research
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Mary Glynn
Stewardship Program Manager
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Joline Hall
Lab Manager
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Mike Hansen
Watercraft Decontamination Manager
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Sara Kelly, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
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Sue O'Reilly
Operations Manager
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Chelsea Smith, Ph.D.
Senior Research Scientist
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Lija Treibergs, M.S.
Water Quality Research Manager
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Connor Vara
Research Technician III
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Brett Wimsatt
Aquatic Invasive Species Program Director
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Hana Wood
Laboratory Technician II
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Elizabeth Yerger
Laboratory Director
Seasonal Staff & Student Workers
People are at the heart of AWI’s work. Each year, we employ more than 100 seasonal staff as laboratory technicians, field technicians, and watercraft inspection and decontamination supervisors and stewards. We also provide students at Paul Smith's College with valuable hands-on learning experiences through work-study positions, applied research, internships, and capstone projects. Although many of these roles last only a few months, their contributions have a lasting impact, helping AWI protect Adirondack waters through science, stewardship, and community engagement throughout the year.
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Boat Stewardship Team
Watercraft Inspection Supervisors (pictured) & Stewards
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Zoe Fox
Summer Intern
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Noah Rehberg
Seasonal Lab Technician
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Macy Schnauber
Seasonal Lab Technician
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Dolcie Tanguay
Seasonal Field Technician
Affiliates
AWI affiliates are faculty and staff from Paul Smith’s College and partner institutions who engage in collaborative research, education, and outreach projects utilizing AWI’s facilities and resources.
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Corey Laxson, M.S.
Associate Professor of Ecology and Aquatic Sciences
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Curt Stager, Ph.D.
Draper-Lussi Endowed Chair in Lake Ecology and Paleoecology
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Stephen Langdon, M.S.
Director of Shingle Shanty Preserve and Research Station
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Heidi Kretser, Ph.D.
Director of Rights + Communities for the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Global Conservation Program