Nicolette has been trying to figure out how to help wildlife for over 20 years. She’s done all kinds of cool stuff, like train animals, study psychology, and conduct research on how behavioral science is used in zoos and aquariums. Ok, so maybe she’s the only one that thinks that’s cool, but it’s all helped her to navigate the tricky world of environmental sustainability and create Practically Eco. She has a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences, with a focus in free-choice learning and behavior change, from Oregon State University. Nicolette also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis, as well as an Associate of Science in Exotic Animal Training & Management, Animal Behavior, and Wildlife Education. To learn more about her journey, sign up for our newsletter (she shares a ton on there) or request her CV here.

Katy is an expert in social and behavioral sciences, data collection, statistical analysis, and strategy development. She has a Master of Science in Behavior, Education, and Communication from the University of Michigan, School for Environment and Sustainability, where she focused on how to help organizations become more effective in changing behavior through developing resources for the Chesapeake Bay Trust around Strategies for Motivating Watershed Stewardship: A Guide to Research-Based Practices and a Rapid Assessment for Outreach Programs Fostering Environmentally Responsible Behaviors. Katy leads the development of community-based social marketing programs, including data collection methods, instrument design, statistical analysis, and strategy recommendations.

Robi is a conservation social scientist with a PhD from the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at Cornell University and a Master of Public Policy from Oregon State University. She is currently a Research Scientist in the Energy Markets and Policy department at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the Energy Markets and Policy where her research focuses on social aspects of renewable energy development, including community response, project acceptability, and siting and permitting policies. She has expertise in applying both qualitative and quantitative social science research approaches to better understand and seek solutions to a range of environmental and conservation issues. She is also Practically Eco’s lead analyst. Robi advises on data collection methods, instrument design, and equitable practices. She also conducts statistical analyses for our projects.

Amy is an expert in animal behavior, wildlife education, and digital media. She writes, directs, and produces her own online educational content for children ages 3 to 8 covering ecology, biology, and behavior of wildlife. Amy has an Associate of Science in Exotic Animal Training & Management, Animal Behavior, and Wildlife Education and is advising on curriculum development, media platforms, and marketing efforts.

Sophie is an expert in animal behavior, wildlife education, and community-based conservation. She has a Master of Art in Conservation Biology from Miami University and a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of Santa Cruz. Sophie was formerly the supervisor for the sea lion department at the Houston Zoo and participated in extensive conservation work as one of the zoo’s Conservation Action Leaders for plastic reduction and recycling. Sophie is currently a naturalist in Monterey, CA and also oversees Practically Eco’s community engagement with both our conservation partners and sustainability-curious community. She is a gifted artist and produces exclusive artwork for our community as well.