The Cascadia Coastal Hazards and Resilience Training, Education and Research, or CHARTER, program offers formal and informal training, education and hazards science research across the middle school, high school, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral levels. The CHARTER Fellows program provides a unique opportunity for students who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color); Latinx; LGBTQ; first generation; and/or low-income, in all academic disciplines to participate in hazards and resilience research. Please email CHARTER Fellow mentor, Christine Thompson (thompch2@oregonstate.edu) for questions.
Current CHARTER Fellows
Jordan Ackemann, University of Oregon
Jordan is studying Planning, Public Policy, and Management at the University of Oregon. He is currently in his third year and is interested in planning at all levels of government, especially for large natural disasters. His goal is to learn as much as possible about this topic and region through this program. Other interests include governmental structures, city planning, and global studies.
Mya Baker, University of Washington
Mya is a junior studying Computer Science. As a first-generation student, Mya strives to do educational outreach to schools within and beyond the Greater Seattle area, in hopes of inspiring students to pursue higher education and find passion in the endless possibilities of tech. On Mya’s free time, she loves to design handmade tote bags and do acrylic rock paintings!
Valentine Bentz, University of Oregon
Valentine is a third-year student studying Ethnic Studies, Philosophy, and Planning, Public Policy + Management. He is passionate and active in building community in Eugene, organizing a community garden and critical environmental justice group with fellow students. He is especially interested in creating inclusive community spaces that grow into just and thriving futures. In his spare time, he enjoys writing and playing music, cooking with friends, and walking to the park.
Estela Carvajal Arellano, Oregon State University
Estela’s major is in Environmental Science with a minor in Ecology. Land use, conservation, forests, oceans, plate tectonics, and volcanology are strong interests of hers. She is also a part of STEM leaders, and a member of SACNAS- OSU Chapter. In her free time she loves to explore Oregon with her kids, and attend cultural events!
Angellica Diaz, Cal Poly Humboldt
I am currently a junior attending Cal Poly Humboldt pursuing a B.S in Geology. I chose to pursue geology because I was excited to engage in hands on learning experiences that combine lab and field work. I hope to follow a career in exploration geology and support coastal restoration projects.
Daniel Friese, Oregon State University
Dan is pursuing a degree in geography and geospatial science with a minor in earth sciences. His interests include geology, cartography, environmental justice and disaster preparedness. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, making music and spending time with his family and friends.
Richard Green, Cal Poly Humboldt
I am a Junior at CalPoly Humboldt studying Tribal Forestry with a minor in GSP. I am currently working as a Lead Revegetation Technician for the Yurok Tribe’s Fisheries department. In this role, I am contributing to the effort to remove four dams along the Klamath River and restore the ancestral salmon runs. It is an honor to be a part of a project that my tribe and community has been fighting to make happen for the past 100 years.
Annika Jensen, University of Washington
Annika, a junior at the University of Washington, emerges as a dedicated student studying Environmental Public Health and a minor in German Studies. Coming from Annapolis, Maryland, Annika’s early roots in environmentalism were planted in her childhood, fueled by a desire to improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay through oyster restoration initiatives. Now, as a student, her commitment to fostering healthier communities and safeguarding the environment has only intensified. Annika’s journey is a testament to her unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the world around her, showcasing a unique blend of academic prowess and a genuine concern for the well-being of both communities and the planet.
Bill Kriner, Cal Poly Humboldt
Bill started as an ESM GSP student at Humboldt State California Polytechnic and shifted into the EST Program in 2023. He will serve as an intern this summer conducting remote sensing research in under canopy studies. As a GIS student, Bill has created maps of Elk River California and partnered with the Wiyot Tribe to do a feasible study of a solar grid on the Table Bluff reservation. He is a board member of the Timber Heritage Association where they log history with emphasis on Steam Engines in our museum. The organization’s goal is to run an excursion train around Humboldt Bay.
Catalina Kurihara, University of Oregon
Catalina (She/Her) is a student at the University of Oregon. Born in Peru, Lima but raised in Oregon, Catalina is excited to be a part of the CHARTER program and begin her research career. Catalina is currently undecided but is actively looking into the social science majors offered at the UO. She enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring during her free time. SCO Ducks!
Si Tong Lu, University of Washington
Si Tong is currently a Biochemistry major at the University of Washington with an interest in laboratory science. She enjoys drawing and hiking in her free time and is passionate about exploring and learning more about the world.
Cloe McMichael, Oregon State University
Lilóocya (hello) everyone! My name is xạ́ xạac tiwat’áat (Grizzly Bear Medicine Woman) and I am from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Mission, Oregon. Some of my hobbies include practicing my traditional way of life as an Indigenous person, learning about the history of Indigenous peoples throughout North America, and learning about how the structures of today’s world interact with the people who live within them. I’m a double degree in history and ethnic studies with a minor in Indigenous studies. I also work at the Kaku-Ixt Mana Ina Haws, which is the Native American and Pacific Islander cultural center on the Oregon State University Corvallis campus. Throughout my life one thing I live by is “They are giving you the box to understand the box for you to then think outside the box.” Understanding we have a box is key to thinking outside of it.
Erin Medler, University of Oregon
Erin (they/them) is a third year student at the University of Oregon with a geology major and a minor in environmental studies. Outside of class they enjoy hiking, baking, and painting.
Lily Newman, University of Oregon
Lily (she/her/hers) is a caucasian women born and raised in Los Angeles, California coming from a family of 5. She is in her third year at the University of Oregon, but has extended graduation to spring 2025. Lily is majoring in Planning Public Policy and Management as well as minoring in Art and Entrepreneurship. Coming from Bishop Alemany High School Lily engaged in different activities such as ASB and the dance team that she captained for 3 years. She is currently a member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and involved in charity work in LA.
Faisal Osman, Oregon State University
Faisal Osman (He/Him) is a third-year student studying Public Policy. His career aspiration is to serve Black and Brown communities who are wrongfully marginalized to face the burden of our climate catastrophe. He intends to do this with his concentration in environmental policy, gaining the policy analysis skills necessary to specialize in tackling sustainability, environmental, and energy justice issues in historically redlined neighborhoods
Irene Pablo Lora, Oregon State University
Irene is a Latina first-generation student at Oregon State University pursuing a double major in sociology and Spanish. She is passionate about immigration issues, human rights and learning about different cultures. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her boyfriend and has a goal to read more books outside of school.
Thaile Schrock, Oregon State University
Hello, my name is Thaile Schrock and I am a Junior at Oregon State University. I began my college journey at Chemeketa Community College where I started working on a degree in both education and sociology. I hope to use these degrees to eventually teach secondary social studies!
Kaitlynn Spino, University of Oregon
Hometown- Klickitat, WA
Kaitlynn is currently majoring in marine biology and Native American and Indigenous Studies. She enjoys trips to the Oregon Coast, going on hikes, and just being outdoors.
Nell Thompson, University of Washington
Nell (he/they) is an Environmental Public Health Major at the University of Washington. He is interested in studying queer and trans health, doing community-based research, and improving access to clean water. They help run UW’s Mixed Student Union for multiracial/multicultural students, and in their free time they enjoy crocheting and playing piano.
Sadie Woolman-Schlukebier, University of Oregon
Sadie (She/her) is a second year earth science major at the University of Oregon. She enjoys many things including geology, breakfast sandwiches, dancing, and her two cats. She is looking forward to broadening her knowledge of earth science by learning how it impacts communities.
Past CHARTER Fellows
Julie Avina, Humboldt State University
Julie is pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science with a concentration in Ecological Restoration. She has a passion for the outdoors and ecological resilience education. When she is not studying at the library, she can be found at one of the many beautiful outdoor rock climbing spots surrounding Humboldt.
Griselda Valdez, Humboldt State University
Griselda is an Environmental Science and Management student. She is a first-generation non-traditional student and is set to graduate in the Spring of 2024. Her interests reach far and wide with an Associate in Art History and is pursuing a Museums and Gallery Certificate from CPH. In addition, she is passionate about mental health and learning more about the environment around her.
Maeve Sievertsen, Oregon State University
Maeve is a Human Development and Family sciences major with a minor in Spanish. She is thrilled to be part of the CHARTER program this year and hopes to learn more about coastal communities and how to empower people.
Corrin Hoyer, University of Oregon
Corrin (she/her) is studying English and Planning, Public Policy, and Management. She is passionate about education using it to help people feel empowered to address challenges in their communities. She enjoys being outdoors, reading, and yoga.
Milena Johnson, University of Washington
Milena is a junior pursuing a degree in geography with a double minor in public policy and urban planning. She is particularly interested in the study of sustainable development and the intersections of social science and GIS.
Shreya Masina, University of Washington
Shreya is majoring in Environmental Health, learning about environmental health disparities, disaster preparedness, risk assessment, and climate justice. Outside of school, Shreya works to facilitate community around the creative work of queer and trans BIPOC and loves to paint, read, and spend time outdoors.
Ximena Nava Diaz, Oregon State University
Ximena is a student at Oregon State University. She is currently undecided about her major so she is exploring engineering and science related courses. Ximena enjoys bike riding, hiking, and being with friends & family during her free time.
Nina Sanchez, Oregon State University
Regina (Nina) Sanchez is from Hood River, OR and goes to OSU. She is currently a Computer Science major and outside of school loves hiking, baking, and hanging out with friends.
Hazel O’Malley, Oregon State University
Hazel is a student at Oregon State University pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies with focuses in Political Science, Sociology, Public Policy, and Women and Gender Studies. Hazel has a passion for community work, and is eager to bring the skills she has to offer to this project. In her free time, Hazel enjoys being active outside and hanging out with family and friends.
Grace Backen, Oregon State University
Grace is a student year at Oregon State University (Go Beavs!). She is currently majoring in Psychology, with a minor in Sociology. The coast has always been her favorite place and is eager to apply her skill sets to the challenges that face coastal communities. When not in class, she loves spending time with her energetic kitten!
John Williams Jr., University of Washington
John is a student at the University of Washington studying Physiology and Quantitative Science. He loves to work with others and is always open to new experiences. Ask him about his snack suggestions if you get the chance, he’s got a few good ones!
David Nieto Wenzell, University of Oregon
David (Dabeat) Nieto Wenzell is a student at the University of Oregon with a background in documentary and fiction film.
Timothy Withrow, University of Oregon
Timothy Withrow is a student at the University of Oregon, majoring in Planning, Public Policy, and Management. He is interested in the field of community development, capacity building, and how local resources can be leveraged to empower both individuals and communities in addressing their shared needs. Outside of class, Timothy enjoys working for the Holden Center for Leadership & Community Engagement, riding his bike around Eugene, sending postcards, and gardening.