Team

Jessica Nickelsen

Program Director

Hi! My name is Jessica, and I am the Director of the Natural Inquirer program. I also used to be a science teacher for 4th, 5th, and 7th grade students. I love teaching and learning about science and the natural world! By working with Natural Inquirer I get the opportunity to teach and learn about science every day. In my spare time, I love to hike, bike, read, travel, and spend time with my husband, my daughters, my family and friends, and my two dogs. The picture shown here is a visit to Brasstown Bald in Georgia.

A photo of Jessica from the top of Brasstown Bald in Georgia. Mountains in the background.

Michelle C. Andrews

Distribution Coordinator

Hi there! My name is Michelle. I am the Distribution Coordinator for Natural Inquirer. I get to participate in many interesting projects. I helped to develop an environmental education evaluation tool called EUGENE (Ecological Understanding as a Guideline for Evaluation in Nonformal Education). I am also working on the development of a photo library that will be used for all Natural Inquirer projects. I enjoy being a part of this educational opportunity and team. I have a great deal of love and respect for our planet, the small and the great, and all it has to offer us. I surround myself with a large spiritual family, good friends, family, and great coworkers. Last but not least, my dogs and cats, Moby, Bijou, Punkie (the dogs) and Marley, Patchouli and Marco (the cats), as well as my foster kitties, Petunia, Charcoal, Pedro, Pierre, and Pashur.

Michelle Andrews standing next to a tree

Bradi McDonald

Education Assistant & Social Media Coordinator 

Hi! My name is Bradi McDonald, and I am an Education Assistant and Social Media Coordinator for the Natural Inquirer. I am responsible for all of our social media platforms and assist in creating educational materials for all ages. This job gives me an amazing opportunity to outreach with teachers far and wide and gain knowledge on scientific writing and graphic design. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family, friends, and my sweet dog, Kleo. I also enjoy running, playing pickleball, crafting, and exploring new places!

Bradi holding her dog in front of a lake

Nissa McKinney

Science Writer

Hi! My name is Nissa, and I am a science writer for Natural Inquirer. I work with scientists to translate their research into language that’s easy for students to understand. I used to be a high school English teacher, so I love getting to connect with other students and teachers across the country. In my spare time, I love to sew and knit, travel to new places, and hang out with my two children, my husband, my friends, and my pets – seven cats and one dog!

Nissa McKinney stands outside next to a wooden walkway.

Barbara Keely

Distribution Assistant

Hi! My name is Barbara and I am the Distribution Assistant for Natural Inquirer. My role is to ensure all our amazing science education materials get into the hands of future scientists, researchers, and conservationists! My non-work interests include visiting national parks and forests, traveling to far-flung lands, and listening to jazz and classical music.

Barbra Keely on a bike pointing at a road sign