Overview

Hania Ahmed currently works as an elementary school science/STEM teacher for the Harmony Public Schools System. She holds a B.S in Education from Sam Houston State University. She worked for a year with the Texas Conservation Corps, working around east Houston and engaging the community in environmental conservation efforts. In her free time, Hania enjoys playing guitar, attending concerts, reading/collecting comic books, and learning about birds. Her favorite bird is the Horned Puffin.

Marvelyn currently works for Kelsey-Seybold Clinic as a data analyst. She earned her B.S. in Biological Sciences from Cornell University and has held a range of analytical and research-focused roles across the construction, healthcare, and technology sectors. Outside of work, Marvelyn enjoys exploring nonfiction and biographies, playing video games, and spending time with her pets. 

Abby graduated from Texas A&M University with a B.S. in chemical engineering and has worked in the energy industry for 7 years. She is currently a process safety engineer for Kinder Morgan. Abby is a native Houstonian and attended Nature Camp at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary every summer as a child. She’s excited to be back in her hometown and support conservation efforts through an organization that meant so much to her growing up. When not at work, you can find Abby planning her next outdoor adventure, reading, or practicing yoga. 

Lori Coyle currently works at Wild Birds Unlimited as a bird feeding specialist who also happens to fill the bird feeders at Edith L. Moore Sanctuary. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from Colorado State University and appreciates working within non-profits. Lori feels lucky to have experienced a summer as a field technician for Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. She is addicted to thrifting and buying more books than she can keep up with. 

Elizabeth Garza currently works at the Downtown Aquarium as an Education Lead. She has a B.S. in Wildlife & Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University. While in school, she originally wanted to be a zookeeper, but later gained a passion for the education side of the zoo & aquarium world. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys playing video games, volunteering, and spending time with her pets. 

Court Hall currently works at Memorial Park Conservancy as the Conservation Director. She spent many years in wetlands across the Gulf of Mexico from her time at USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center, Texas A&M at Galveston, and TAMU-Corpus Christi. When not at work, she enjoys time visiting Matagorda Bay, finding adventure on trails, walking her dog, and supporting ministry work.

Robert Hammarberg serves as a Faculty Associate and Assistant Director of Public Health Practice and Engagement at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. He holds a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree from UTHealth Houston, a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Texas A&M University, and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Business Administration from New York Institute of Technology. Originally from Long Island, New York, Robert also lived in northern New Hampshire for 6 years, but has resided in Texas for the last 12 years. Robert enjoys traveling, hiking, and watching live bird streams with his cat, Zara. 

Kate is a Highway Engineer with HDR Engineering, Inc., and is a Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. She holds a Masters of Science in Civil Engineering from LSU. Kate has enjoyed a lifelong love of birds together with all things

Raised by a naturalist in the Midwest, Mikki has always loved being outside, but she fell in love with birding through a PE class at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology while earning her Bachelor of Architecture degree and Spanish Minor at Cornell

Elizabeth Jones is a veterinary Neurologist/Neurosurgeon at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. She obtained her undergraduate degree at Auburn University and her DVM from the University of Tennessee. She completed her neurology residency at The Ohio State University before moving to Houston in the fall of 2025. She is almost always with her Scottish Terrier companion, Murray, unless someone else is eating food nearby. Elizabeth otherwise enjoys musical theater, antique shopping, eating at a good diner, and going to the movies. Her favorite bird is the Ivory-billed Woodpecker due to its sense of mystique. 
 

Haris Khan is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) and IAAP Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC), with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and trained in Leadership and Management from Harvard Business School.

He has received numerous awards for community service and leadership, including the Top 40 Under 40 Award. An accomplished stand-up comedian, Haris has performed in more than six countries across three continents, and jokes that joining Houston Audubon lets him finally “tweet responsibly.” When not working, he enjoys camping, fishing, and hiking with his wife and son.

Starla Lawhon-Dyer is the Volunteer Coordinator at the Galveston Bay Foundation. She holds a B.S. in Wildlife Biology and has a background in wildlife conservation, with a special focus on avian species. Starla has a deep love for animals, especially Cranes. Outside of work, she enjoys birding, baking, learning about historical figures, and rewatching her favorite TV shows. She and her husband share a love of travel and adventure into fictional worlds. 

Olivia currently works on the Government Affairs Team at Harris County Precinct 4. After she graduated from Rice University with a BA in Political Science and Gender Studies, she took a job on a political campaign and never looked back. Olivia started birding as a kid with her dad and has many fond memories of birding growing up. She has kept up and become more serious about birding as she got older. Olivia's other hobbies and interests include dancing, reading, watching TV with her husband and two cats, and musical theater. 

Regina currently serves as the Lead Educator at Galveston Island State Park, where she designs and leads programs that connect people to coastal ecology and conservation. She holds a background in environmental education and has worked in a variety of roles focused on public engagement, stewardship, and place-based learning. Regina enjoys exploring creative practices alongside her work, spending time outdoors, painting in her studio, and adventuring with her husband.

Diego Lopez works in Rice University's Office of STEM Engagement as a Research Specialist and has published multiple peer-reviewed journal articles about improving STEM education policy and practice. He holds a Master of Public Service and Administration from Texas A&M University. In his spare time, Diego enjoys watching college football, hiking, and traveling as much as he can. 

Wandy Martinez is a revenue manager in the multifamily real estate industry, where she leads pricing strategy, revenue management, and cross-functional initiatives that enhance portfolio performance and elevate resident experiences. She is known for driving results through data-driven decision-making and thoughtful, people-centered leadership. Wandy holds a B.B.A. in Finance from Texas A&M University and is currently pursuing her MBA at Rice University.

Outside of work, Wandy enjoys exploring nature, camping with friends and family, and cheering on Houston sports teams. She is also deeply committed to community engagement, serving in leadership roles with CREW Houston and supporting initiatives that expand access and opportunity for students across Texas. A proud Houstonian, Wandy shares her love of the outdoors, wildlife, and local culture with those around her.

Nova Morales is part of the research team at the Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas, which is a part of the Texas A&M University system here in Houston. She also holds a B.S. from Texas A&M University. Nova has served two AmeriCorps terms of public service: one in the Pacific Northwest on post-wildfire trail maintenance and another with the Texas Conservation Corps on coastal restoration.

Outside of work, she enjoys going on long walks, trying new restaurants, thrifting, botanizing around Houston with her prairie friends, and, of course, birding. Her favorite bird is the Yellow-Rumped Warbler.

Dani Newman is a graphic & UI designer for Rice University’s digital learning department. Prior to her role at Rice, she worked in the conservation and sustainable agriculture field and is a proud AmeriCorps VISTA alum. 

Outside of work, Dani maintains a creative practice that revolves around community, environment, and hope. Most work is in the following mediums: pen and ink, digital illustrations, and zines. 

This is her second term with YPAC, and she’s excited to party with the birds during Bird Week 2026. Her favorite bird is the ever-elusive, ever-charming Montezuma Quail.

Madalyn Raia works on the development team at Memorial Park Conservancy, where she manages the membership program and other giving campaigns that support the conservation and restoration of Houston’s urban greenspaces. She began her nonprofit fundraising career as a grant writer and enjoys working with organizations aligned with her passions. Outside of work, Madalyn collects vintage watches, admires bridges, and enjoys camping and hiking with friends.

Dan Reczek is a Flight Controller at NASA's Johnson Space Center, where he trains astronauts and operates propulsion systems for the Artemis Program. He earned his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Saint Louis University in St. Louis, MO. In his free time, Dan enjoys playing guitar, reading, and working to better understand the world around him. He is an amateur photographer as well as a proud cat dad.

Sydney Reitz has worked in the animal welfare field for over 5 years, recently as an Animal Cruelty Investigator for the Houston SPCA beginning January 2026. Prior to working with shelters, she spent many years in wildlife rehabilitation. She has a B.S. in Wildlife & Fisheries from Texas A&M University. Sydney has always had a love of the outdoors, having grown up sailing and camping. She competed on the Texas A&M Sailing Team and taught youth sailing in Galveston. She also enjoys playing the piano, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. 

Joan Sanborn currently works for bp as an account manager for their jet fuel business. She has a B.S. in Geophysical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines and has held various positions in the hydrocarbon trading space. Joan always enjoys trying new hobbies, but regularly finds time to read, hike, cook for friends, and attend the opera. She and her husband also enjoy sharing their love of the outdoors with their children; Joan is always up for meeting people on weekends to explore Edith L Moore and let her boys burn off some energy.

Zee currently works at Siepe as a Operations Analyst. She has earned an undergraduate degree in mathematics from the University of Houston and an MBA from the European School of Management and Technology Berlin. Since coming back to Houston, she hopes to spend more time outdoors and dedicated to conservation efforts. In her free time, Zee loves to read, cook, and explore new hobbies.

Alexander Villeda is the Composite Lead at Intuitive Machines where he oversees the manufacturing of carbon fiber components used in assembling Lunar Landers. Before joining the aerospace industry he served six years in the US Air Force as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician. His fascination with birds began when a small black and white visitor appeared at his bird feeder, sparking an interest in birding. He later discovered that the visitor was a chickadee. In his free time Alex enjoys photography and visiting parks to capture the quiet moments of nature. His favorite bird is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher.

Sylvia Wegwu currently works at NASA Johnson Space Center as an epidemiologist, engaging in astronaut occupational health surveillance. She has a B.S. in Public Health from Texas A&M University and an M.S. in Biomedical Informatics from UTHealth Houston and is interested in occupational and environmental health and safety, risk assessment, and urban planning (human-centered design, walkability, and transit planning). She enjoys making art, basking in the outdoors, reading and writing, citizen science, and hanging out with friends.