Matt SMith

Matt is a second-year Western, Colorado University Masters in Environmental Management (MEM) student from the small town of Evanston, Wyoming, where his passion for nature began at an early age. He has an undergraduate degree in Geology from the University of Wyoming and had the pleasure of participating in some exciting research projects with professors and other students. These resulted in two publications: one related to carbon sequestration in the Rocksprings uplift in Wyoming and another involved salmon spawning habits in British Columbia. 

Matt then worked for almost 8 years in the private sector as an Environmental Chemist for a laboratory in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, primarily analyzing mine tailings and associated waters, soils, and plants. He’s thrilled to continue his journey with the MEM program at Western, specifically the Integrative Public Lands Management track and WARM.  One of his goals with WARM is to improve skillsets to better understand mining reclamation and networks within the industry to get a clearer picture of how best to move forward in this interesting line of work.  His master’s project involves localized biochar creation and its many benefits, specifically in the context of mining reclamation. He looks forward to collaborating with the United States Forest Service along with WARM to participate in a 5-year study of biochar applications to soil where vegetation growth is desired.

Emily Swartz

Emily is a PhD student at Colorado State University focusing on restoration ecology. She holds an undergraduate degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. Emily is particularly interested in climate-adapted restoration in arid environments. Her research centers on innovative seeding techniques to enhance germination and establishment of native plant communities, managing invasive species in restoration contexts, and understanding community assembly dynamics. She emphasizes community collaboration, working with partners such as the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in Southwest Colorado, the United States Geological Survey (USGS), and Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP).

Before joining the Dryland Ecology and Management Lab at CSU, Emily worked with various nonprofits across the Western U.S. in the conservation field. Outside of work, she enjoys pottery, gardening, cooking, outdoor activities, and playing with her dog, Fiddle.

Phyllis Scott

Nathan is a second-year master's student in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology (GDPE) at Colorado State University. He earned his undergraduate degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology from Colorado Mesa University. After completing his bachelor's degree, Nathan worked with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, assisting in shrubland habitat research and developing a seed mix tool to support restoration efforts.

For his graduate research, Nathan focuses on the establishment of native shrubs on disturbed sites, investigating how factors such as rodents, insects, and invasive annuals influence the successful establishment of seeds. His work aims to provide insights for restoration professionals to enhance reclamation success.

In his free time, Nathan enjoys fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and caring for his pet fish.