PEREC is staffed by dedicated faculty, researchers, graduate students, field interpreters and volunteers. To keep up with our research, educational activities, and outreach, be sure to follow us on Facebook!
Our award-winning K-12 Watershed Education Programs are enthusiastically staffed by field interpreters – including undergraduates and graduate students from George Mason University, as well as local environmental experts.
R. Christian “Chris” Jones, PhD
Director, PEREC
Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy
Specialization: Freshwater Ecology, Water Quality, Plankton Ecology, Stream Bioassessment
Amy Fowler, PhD
Associate Director, PEREC
Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy
Specialization: Invertebrate Ecology, Aquatic Ecology, Parasitology and Invasions
Benoit Van Aken, PhD
Associate Director, PEREC
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Specialization: Plant Molecular Biology, Molecular Markers for Pathogen Detection Ecology
Rosalina Christova, PhD
Resident Faculty Fellow, PEREC
Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy
Specialization: Algal Taxonomy and Ecology, Aquatic Ecology, Harmful Algal Blooms
T. Reid Nelson, PhD
Resident Faculty Fellow, PEREC
Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy
Specialization: Fisheries Ecology, Applied Aspects of Fisheries, Aquatic Resource Management
Jennifer Salerno, PhD
Resident Faculty Fellow, PEREC
Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy
Specialization: Environmental Microbiology, Marine Ecology, Microbial Symbioses, Marine Policy
Dann Sklarew, PhD
Non-Resident Faculty Fellow, PEREC
Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy
Specialization: Watershed Stewardship, Sustainability Science and Education, Symbiosis (Mutualism)
Cynthia “Cindy” Smith, PhD
Resident Faculty Fellow, PEREC
Associate Professor, Department of Environmental Science and Policy
K12 Education & Outreach Director, PEREC
Specialization: Science Education and Outreach, Watershed Ecology and Stewardship
Laura M. Birsa, MS
MS, Marine Sciences
Lab and Field Technician, PEREC, Department of Environmental Science and Policy
Sydney Jackson
BS, Environmental Science
Outreach Assistant, PEREC, Department of Environmental Science and Policy