Our Team
Mary Harner
Professor
As an ecologist and public communicator, Mary studies rivers and wetlands and uses photography as a tool to monitor and convey ecosystem change. She is a professor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in the departments of Communication and Biology. She enjoys exploring floodplains under the canopies of cottonwood trees and sharing beauty and knowledge of riparian ecosystems.
Emma Brinley Buckley
NPS Hydrologist
A former researcher and digital-media creator for the lab, Emma now holds a position with the National Park Service’s Appalachian Highlands Inventory & Monitoring network. She enjoys tinkering with ways to derive and convey data, a good/terrible pun, games of all kinds, and finds solace roaming outdoors with her partner and two dogs, camera and notebook in hand.
Jamila Bajelan
Research Technician
Jamila graduated from the Master of Public Communication program at UNK. She leads a youth program Cool Critters to increase enjoyment and interest in native animals of Nebraska and supports ecohydrological research along the Platte River. She enjoys all things outdoors and sharing a love of natural resources with others.
Gwendolynn Folk
Graduate assistant
Gwendolynn is pursuing a master’s degree in UNK’s Public Communication Program. She graduated from Idaho State University with a bachelor’s degree in biology with a focus on natural history. She enjoys sewing, crocheting, and taking care of her cat Bluejeans in her free time.
Kristen Wetovick
web content manager
Kristen is a graduate student pursuing a degree in Learning, Design, and Technology. She graduated from UNK with a degree in Multimedia with minors in Media Production and Nutrition. Along with being an avid reader and baker, she enjoys all things media, especially The Great British Baking Show, movies from the 80s, and Huey Lewis and the News.
Chris Terry
Research Technician
Chris earned a major in multimedia and a minor in sociology. He’s interested in sharing stories through videography, design, and web development. He’s not sure how he got here, but he loves it.
Troy Gilmore
Associate professor
Troy studies groundwater, with special interest in groundwater-fed streams, water quality, and innovative monitoring techniques. He is an Associate Professor in the School of Natural Resources and the Biological Systems Engineering Department at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He enjoys biking and downtime with family.
Mackenzie Smith
Research Technician
Mackenzie studied birds, bats, and herps as an undergraduate student. As she moves forward in her career as a wildlife biologist, she hopes to remain working in the field and conducting research to aid in conservation efforts of several species. In her free time, she enjoys camping, hiking, and staying active.