Scientists and Supervisors
Dr. Nathan McDowell
Nate McDowell has been a staff scientist in the Earth and Environmental Sciences Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory since 2004. He received his B.Sc. in Biology at the University of Michigan in 1994, his M.Sc. in Forest Ecology at the University of Idaho in 1998, and his Ph.D. in Tree Physiology at Oregon State University in 2002. He was awarded a Director's Postdoctoral Fellowship at LANL in 2003. McDowell studies the inter-dependency of plant and ecosystem water and carbon cycles and their response to climate and disturbance. His approach is focused on mechanistic hypothesis testing utilizing a wide variety of techniques including theory, observation, experimentation and modeling. He has published approximately 55 papers since 2000. He was awarded two separate Distinguished Mentor Award for advising undergraduates (2008, 2010), the DOE Early-Career Award in 2010, and testified before Congress regarding DOE's climate change research in 2009.
View Dr. McDowell's CV
Jennifer Johnson
Research Scientist I, Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge
Dr. Edward Abeyta, Director of K-16 Programs at UC San Diego (UCSD) Extension
Prior to joining UCSD Extension in 1995, Edward began his service at UCSD as a counselor for the Early Academic Outreach Program serving underrepresented students in San Diego high schools and later assumed the role of Registrar and Director of Academic Services at UCSD Extension. Dr. Abeyta has a BA from the University of New Mexico, a MA from the University of San Diego and a Ph.D. from Capella University. Edward has been recognized from UCSD and the UC Office of the President for his involvement in staff diversity and development initiatives. In 2008, he was selected to a two-year term as the Staff Advisor to the Regents. He currently serves on the UC Diversity commission, Post-retirement Task Force, and the Regents UC Commission on the Future.
Marie McGhee, Senior Program Manager, UNM Continuing Education
Marie has more than 6 years of progressively responsible experience in all of the life-long learning divisions at UNM Continuing Education. In her current position overseeing Growth and Enrichment Programs, she supervises five programs: Youth, Osher, Story of New Mexico, None for the Road and Spanish Resource Center. She is also directly responsible for all other aspects of Growth and Enrichment programming. Before coming to New Mexico from Florida, Marie spent more than 10 years in the marketing and public relations field working in production and accounts areas. Marie served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club in Gainesville, Florida and currently volunteers for the Roadrunner Food Bank in Albuquerque. Marie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Florida in History and Anthropology. She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Naomi Sandweiss, Supervisor of Youth Programs at University of New Mexico Continuing Education
Naomi brings over 15 years of experience developing, supervising and evaluating programs for youth and college students. She has worked with students in grades K-college both inside and outside of the classroom. Prior to joining the staff of UNM in 2007, Naomi served as program manager for a national youth leadership organization and also worked as a college career counselor, helping college students to select majors, secure internships and secure employment and graduate school admissions. Naomi has a B.A. in American Studies from Dickinson College and a M.A. in Education from Bowling Green State University, Ohio.
Robie Wittman, Program Manager at UC San Diego (UCSD) Extension
Robie Wittman has over 20 years of experience at UCSD providing project management, strategic planning and operational support. Robie was also an investor relations specialist and stock plan administrator for Websense, the global leader in Web filtering software. In 2010, Robie leveraged her combined experience in the public/private sector and higher education by assuming the role as UCSD Extension K-16 Program manager. Her program portfolio includes the UCSD LAUNCH undergraduate program, Academic Connections Research Scholars and studies, College Exploration courses and High School Independent Studies.