Koren is the Executive Director of the Mountain Studies Institute (MSI), a non-profit mountain research and education institution based in Silverton, Colorado. Koren joined the MSI staff in November 2004, initially serving as Research and Education Director. Prior to joining MSI, Koren was a postdoctoral associate in the Aquatic, Watershed and Earth Resources Department at Utah State University. She received a doctorate in ecology from Colorado State University in 2002, and a BA in environmental science from Wesleyan University (Middletown, Connecticut) in 1993.

Dr. Nydick’s research has focused on aquatic ecosystems in mountain environments. Specifically, she has studied nitrogen cycling, including how lakes affect water quality and productivity of downstream ecosystems and how excess nitrogen from air pollution alters mountain lake ecology. She received a Canon National Parks Science Scholarship to fund her work on nitrogen pollution. Since arriving at MSI, Koren has initiated and participated in several projects focused on the San Juan Mountains. These include installing a long-term alpine plant monitoring site for detection of climate effects; monitoring high-elevation lakes for nutrients and mercury; studying the interactions of acid-mine drainage, hydrology and nitrogen cycling in streams; collaborating to identify sources of nutrients related to eutrophication in the Lower Animas River; providing wetlands ecology and conservation outreach and training; and partnering on community plans for integrating recreation, ecology, heritage and art into a trail system for Silverton, CO. Koren was a co-organizer of MSI’s Climate Change Conference in October 2006 and is working with partners to develop a Climate Action Plan for the San Juans. Dr. Nydick serves on the Four Corners Air Quality Task Force and the Vision 2030 project for La Plata County.

Koren also is experienced at teaching at a variety of levels. She earned her teaching certificate in secondary science in 1996 after attending the University of New Mexico/ Santa Fe Public Schools Teacher Education Program. She subsequently taught biology and chemistry at Santa Fe High School for two years before beginning graduate school. At Utah State University, Koren taught a graduate level course in aquatic production biology. She currently is a visiting professor at Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO.