Dr. Babs McDonald

My name is Dr. Babs McDonald. I am a Social Scientist, a writer, and an educator with the USDA Forest Service. I write most of the articles that you read in the Natural Inquirer. I like writing the articles because I have to read scientific articles written by the scientists before I can rewrite them for the Natural Inquirer. I learn a lot of new things by doing this. I can also be creative, because I get to think up the "Reflection Section" questions! When I am not writing Natural Inquirer articles, I like to walk or run in the woods, ride my bicycle, swim, and lift weights. I also like to take nature photographs.
(read more about Babs and see personal presentations and papers)

Mrs. Jessica Nickelsen

Hi! My name is Jessica and I am the educational program assistant for the Natural Inquirer. I am also working on my PhD in public administration and policy. However, I used to be a science teacher for 4th, 5th, and 7th grade students. I love teaching and learning about science and the environment!!! By working with the Natural Inquirer I get the opportunity to teach and learn about science everyday. In my spare time, I love to hike, bike, read, and spend time with my husband, my family and friends, and my pets (2 dogs and a cat!). The picture shown here is from a hiking trip in Georgia.
(download presentations and papers by Jessica)

Michelle C. Andrews

Hi there! My name is Michelle. I work with Babs on the Natural Inquirer and on developing an environmental education evaluation tool called EUGENE (Ecological Understanding as a Guideline for Evaluation in Nonformal Education).  The Natural Inquirer is an excellent tool for children in making science fun!!! I enjoy being a part of this educational opportunity. I, too, have a great deal of love and respect for our planet and all it has to offer us. I surround myself with good friends, family, great coworkers and last but not least, my dogs, Laika, Gypsy, Crikey, and Moby (he is the one in the picture with me).

(download presentations by Michelle)

Wytosha Thacker

Hello Knowledge Seekers! I’m Wy’Tosha Thacker, a grad-student at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan . I’m intern with the Forest Service to work on a special edition of the Natural Inquirer project at the Henry Ford Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Michigan . I am working with a wonderful group of high school students that have done scientific research in an area called the Oxbow! The students are scientists and research environmental issues around the Oxbow. But that is not all, the student write-up their findings and results in the same research process used by research scientists. The students write and produce their own version of the Natural Inquirer based on their research studies. But, this is only part of my day! I’m also a fulltime student, mother of (Kiara) and very involved in several outreach programs throughout the community and church.

Rachel Small

Hi, my name is Rachel. I am a graduate student at the University of Georgia studying Natural Resources. Science education helps people better understand and appreciate the planet, and I love to teach people about the environment. I am responsible for receiving and filling Natural Inquirer orders. I also help Babs write activities for the NI and contact the scientists. During my free time, I love just being in the woods. I continue to learn about nature from observing different things in the forest. Anyone can go in their backyard and see something WILD, you should try it!

 Emily Melear-Daniels