Welcome 2016 IAE/NPSO Interns!

Liza is absolutely thrilled to be a Conservation Research Intern with IAE!

She received a B.S. in Natural Sciences with an emphasis in Biology from the University of Puget Sound (2013). During her undergraduate studies she researched the effects of stress on development in Lepidoptera and conducted plant surveys on the prairies of Western Washington, considering the effects of controlled burning on native and non-native plant populations as well as soil responses to sugar amendment. Since then, she has been an environmental educator with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and then with Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District in Beaverton. In addition, she has continued to seek ecological knowledge through assisting in native fish surveys of headwater streams along the Molalla River.

Outside of work, Liza enjoys traveling places near and far, living out of a backpack, exploring the intersection of science and art, playing soccer, and spending time with family and friends.

Sarai is a graduate of Prescott College in Prescott, Arizona, with a bachelor's degree in Restoration Ecology. While in Prescott, Sarai served as president of the Butte Creek Restoration Council, working to restore an intermittent urban stream and raise ecological awareness in the community. From childhood camping trips to environmental activism in her teens, Sarai has developed a passion for understanding and protecting natural ecosystems. Her particular interests lie in riparian restoration and the emerging field of urban ecological restoration.

Outside of ecology, Sarai's passions include gardening, 4x4 off-roading, and traveling (especially in New Zealand). She is thrilled to be joining IAE and falling in love with Oregon ecosystems.

Ari graduated from the University of Oregon in Eugene with dual degrees in fine art and biology, with a focus on ecology and evolution. After graduation in 2015, she worked as an environmental stewardship intern with the North Coast Land Conservancy in Seaside, Oregon, where she monitored and treated invasive species and helped restore native vegetation. Ari is interested in botany, mycology, naturalist illustration, and foraging for edible and medicinal wild foods.