Our Team

The Adirondack Watershed Institute is a skilled team of scientists, stewards, field and laboratory technicians, and research and policy analysts working to protect the waters of the Adirondacks. Many of our staff are graduates of Paul Smith’s College, and several serve as current faculty affiliates, strengthening the connection between research, education, and applied science. We also employ a number of Paul Smith’s students and community members as seasonal staff, offering valuable hands-on experience in real-world conservation. Guided by the Executive Director, every team member contributes their passion, expertise, and dedication to advance AWI’s mission and realize our shared vision of clean and healthy Adirondack waters.

  • Maureen Cunningham

    Executive Director

  • Michale Glennon

    Michale Glennon, Ph.D.

    Director of Research

  • Elizabeth Yerger

    Elizabeth Yerger

    Laboratory Director

  • Lija Treibergs

    Lija Treibergs, M.S.

    Research Associate

  • Brett Wimsatt

    Brett Wimsatt

    Aquatic Invasive Species Program Director

  • Sue O'Reilly

    Sue O'Reilly

    Operations Manager

  • Jennifer Denny standing in front of Upper Saranac Lake.

    Jennifer Denny, M.S.

    Stewardship Program Assistant Director

  • Joline Hall

    Joline Hall

    Lab Manager

  • Connor Vara

    Connor Vara

    Research Technician III

  • Sara Kelly, Ph.D.

    Research Scientist

  • Chelsea Smith, Ph.D.

    Senior Research Scientist

  • Bobby Clark

    Field Technician II

  • Hana Wood

    Laboratory Technician II

  • Alec Cimini

    Graduate Research Fellow

  • Annie Arnold

    Environmental Educator

  • Watercraft Inspection Stewards

    Seasonal Staff

    Watercraft Inspection Stewards

  • Research Technician

    Seasonal Staff

    Research Technicians

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.

  • Corey Laxson

    Corey Laxson, M.S.

    Associate Professor of Ecology and Aquatic Sciences

  • Dr. Curt Stager

    Curt Stager, Ph.D.

    Draper-Lussi Endowed Chair in Lake Ecology and Paleoecology

  • Stephen Langdon

    Stephen Langdon, M.S.

    Director of Shingle Shanty Preserve and Research Station

  • Heidi Kretser

    Heidi Kretser, Ph.D.

    Director of Rights + Communities for the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Global Conservation Program

Students

AWI is committed to providing students at Paul Smith’s College with meaningful, hands-on learning experiences through work-study employment, applied research, and guidance on capstone and senior projects.

  • Meg Hartmann

    Laboratory Assistant

  • Macy Schnauber

    Seasonal Research Technician