FOUNDING TEAM: STAFF, EXECUTIVE BOARD, AND KEY VOLUNTEERS
This nonprofit is the collective brainchild of a group of passionate individuals who care about the future of freshwater ecosystems on the Great Plains. Below are some brief biosketches for our organization's key team members that highlight their relevant qualifications and experiences and explain why they’re ideal for helping this project set off upriver.
Founder, Chief Freshwater Scientist, and Executive Director
Elizabeth Renner
Dr. Liz Renner; Postdoctoral Research Associate in Fish Ecology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources (Lincoln, NE/ Lyons, SD)
Enthusiastic, dedicated freshwater fisheries ecologist with a broad, diverse skillset from 11 years of experience working in Great Plains aquatic ecosystems, including past experience working for:
- South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks - Fort Pierre Fisheries Center, Upper Missouri River Fisheries Management Area (Fort Pierre, SD)
- Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, US Fish and Wildlife Service Region 6 (Mountain & Prairies)-Pallid Sturgeon Recovery Program, Missouri River Basin Recovery and Implementation
- Kansas State University Division of Biology in collaboration with Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks
- South Dakota Dept. of Transportation - Survey & Environmental Division
- USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Minnehaha Conservation District
Strengths, key skills and competencies to offer the organization:
- As a 6th generation South Dakota farm kid who grew up in the Sioux Falls area but who has now lived and worked in Kansas and Nebraska, my cultural connection to the region runs deep like the roots of big bluestem and other native prairie grasses. I grew up in community with Siċaŋġu Oyáte (Lakȟóta) elders and children through volunteer work on the Rosebud Reservation, which first ignited a lifetime of commitment to ongoing self-reflection, learning local histories, and working in partnership with Indigenous peoples.
- Well-connected with potential state, federal, university, & nonprofit partners and collaborators across the Great Plains region
- Firm foundation in Great Plains freshwater ecology - organismal identification skills (fishes, macroinvertebrates, phytoplankton, zooplankton, aquatic vegetation)
- Grantwriting
- Public speaking, teaching, science outreach and communication in-person and online via social media
- Multilingual (professional Spanish fluency, beginner Lakȟótiyapi fluency)
Founding Board Members
dillnelson2o@gmail.com
Dillon Nelson; PhD Candidate in Molecular Biology, South Dakota State University Oglala Lakota (Pine Ridge, SD / Brookings, SD)
- Skilled researcher skilled in biomolecular techniques with research experience studying the plant communities of grassland ecosystems and cyanobacteria
- Experience as a research mentor, teacher, and role model for Indigenous students in STEM
jokojokwu-idu2@huskers.unl.edu
Jerome Okojokwu-Idu; PhD Candidate in Natural Resource Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources (Lincoln, NE)
- Climate scientist whose research examines ways to advocate for the rights of Indigenous people in fossil fuel-rich areas of Nigeria as the global economy phases into clean energy, as well as the ways these areas are threatened by climate change
- Born in Kaduna but grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. He holds a master’s degree in Environmental Management from the University of Lagos and is presently studying Natural Resource Sciences with specialization in Climate Impact and Assessment for his PhD
- Passionate about climate advocacy and is well-versed in communications.
rae.yorek@gmail.com
Rae Yorek; Assistant Director at Black Hills Clean Water Alliance Rapid City, SD
- With a diverse background in civil engineering and fluvial geomorphology as well as community organizing around environmental justice and water conservation, Rae brings us her technical background in riparian habitat restoration coupled with strong people skills. Her diverse connections will help us build towards long‑term, large-scale projects that protect water and honor steward-led sovereignty.
Other Potential Founding Board Members & Core Volunteers (Folks Who’ve Already Helped Us)
- Dr. David O’Hara, Chair of Sustainability, Professor of Philosophy
- Tom Frear, Owner and Producer, Cottonwood Recording Studio (Rapid City, SD)
- Jayden Halsey, SD Wildlife Federation
- Alex Massa, Flyfishing Enthusiast, Jazz Musician & Executive Director/Founder @ Improvise Arts, Artistic Director @ South Dakota Jazz Orchestra (Rapid City, SD)
- Dr. Traci Glyn DuBose
- Cole Hoffman
- Dr. James Smoot
- Dr. Walter Dodds