Outreach Team | Prophet Aquatic Research And Outreach Center

Meet our Outreach Team

Alexandra Hayes

PAROC Outreach Director
EMAIL: agentry1@emporia.edu

My name is Alexandra Hayes, and I am the Outreach Director here at the PAROC!

I graduated from Emporia State University with my BSE in Biology and Earth Science Education. In this job, I am able to help educators of all kinds, help the environment, and help the future generations grow an appreciation for science and nature. I am proud and honored to continue my passion for education and science by being here at ESU and I look forward to growing PAROC by collaborating with the community.

Taylor

PAROC Graduate Assistant

Hi everyone! I'm Taylor, a graduate assistant here at Emporia State University. I graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science – Go Redbirds! As a former substitute teacher, I've always enjoyed working with children. The opportunity to combine my passion for teaching with my love for nature through PAROC is incredibly exciting. I believe that by immersing students in the natural world and incorporating fun, hands-on science activities, we can foster a lifelong appreciation for the environment.

Laura

PAROC Graduate Assistant

Hello! My name is Laura, and I am a biology graduate student here at Emporia State researching interactions between plants and pollinators!

I love wildlife and everything outdoors. I have such a passion for the conservation of our natural world! I would love to work with endangered species someday, specifically by educating others on issues being faced in conservation. At PAROC, my goal is to connect with students and educate the community on how important and amazing our natural environment is!

Cadence

Hey, I'm Cadence. I'm a junior here at ESU studying Biology with a concentration in Fish and Wildlife.

This is my third year working here at PAROC and I absolutely love it here! Working here allows me to get hands-on experience I would not be able to get elsewhere. At PAROC I can constantly learn something new, whether it be a new skill or fact which I greatly appreciate.

Aki

Hi! My name is Aki, I am a sophomore here at ESU studying biology with a concentration in Ecology and Biodiversity as well as minoring in art.

I love working at PAROC because it provides me with opportunities and experience I couldn't get anywhere else. With the different variety of events and camps that PAROC holds I am able to learn something new every day and have very distinct and memorable experiences. I've always had a passion for nature and anything related to it so I'm grateful to work at PAROC and get to pursue that passion!

Charlee

Hello! My name is Charlee, and I am a Physics Education Student at ESU.

I am going into my second year here, and am super excited! I love exploring the outdoors, especially in the water. In fact, one of my favorite outside activities is kayaking! PAROC has been such a big help because I get to put my teaching education into practice. My favorite part of working here is being with a great team that encourages each other! I also love being creative by coming up with new ideas to get people more interested in science!

Kendra

Hello, my name is Kendra! I am a freshman at ESU, studying Biology with a minor in Zoology.

I am a part of the PAROC and STEM Outreach program. I love anything outdoors, from fishing to playing fetch with my dog. I am so excited to make new and fun memories here at PAROC.

Marshall

Hello! I'm Marshall, and I am a freshman at ESU this year. I am studying Biology with a concentration in Ecology and Biodiversity, and I am minoring in Art. I am also a Rudd Scholar!

At PAROC I love being able to combine lots of my interests while serving the community. Getting people excited to learn about science and nature is very fulfilling for me. I am also looking forward to working with everyone on the team and getting to know our animal ambassadors!

Daphne Mayes

STEM Outreach Director
EMAIL: dmayes1@emporia.edu

Greetings! I am Daphne Mayes, the STEM Outreach Director.

I love this job because it brings together many of my interests, experiences, and passions- including environmental conservation, biology, ecology, education, outreach, and community engagement for all! I am excited to be part of the pioneering phase of PAROC, growing our outreach programming and meeting many incredibly inspiring people along the way. In addition to my role at PAROC, I recently became co-editor of the Kansas School Naturalist.