Meet our Outreach Team
Alexandra Hayes
PAROC Outreach Director
EMAIL: ahayes7@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.
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!
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Kimbo
PAROC Graduate Assistant
Hi everyone! I’m Kimbo, a graduate research assistant at Emporia State University, where I am pursuing my M.S. in Biology. I graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a B.S. in Marine Biology and a minor in Environmental Systems. My background includes research in geochemistry and microbiology, marine community ecology, coral conservation, science communication and education, and, most importantly, sea turtle conservation.
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At ESU, my research will focus on sea turtle ecology, specifically Green and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles in the western Gulf of Mexico, in collaboration with Sea Turtle Inc. in Texas. I am incredibly excited to continue pursuing my studies with the species that first ignited my love for conservation and to contribute to sea turtle research here at ESU!
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.
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Aki
Hi! I'm Aki and I am a junior here at ESU. I'm majoring in biology with a concentration in Ecology and Biodiversity as well as minoring in art.
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Growing up I've always had a passion for nature and anything related to it so I love working at PAROC! PAROC also provides me with opportunities and experiences I can't get anywhere else. Working here I feel as if I am constantly learning new things and building meaningful relationships with my community. In the future I would like to have any career where I can work hands on with nature, especially if I can involve my art too!
Kendra
Hello, my name is Kendra! I am a sophomore here at ESU, studying Biology with a minor in Zoology and a pre-vet concentration.
I am so excited to start my second year here at PAROC!
I love wildlife, fishing and taking walks with my dog. I am the Science Storytime organizer, which means I plan to teach ages 7 and under the importance of the world around us each month. I am excited to make more memories here at PAROC!
Marshall
Hello! I'm Marshall, and this is my second year at ESU. 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. I am particularly interested in insects, plants, and the intersection between science and art. Getting people excited to learn about science and nature is very fulfilling for me.
Daphne Mayes
STEM Outreach Director
EMAIL: dmayes1@emporia.edu
Greetings! I am Daphne Mayes, the STEM Outreach Director.
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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.
