Brandon Lawton, Water Program Research Associate

Brandon grew up in Rhode Island believing that the world was very small and everything was a short ten minute drive away. Once able to escape the grasp of seafood and the lack of topography, he attended the University of Vermont. He received a B.S. in Environmental Science and a minor in Geospatial Technologies in May of 2020. Brandon works with MSI’s Water Team to assist with water quality sampling, stream restoration processes, and snowtography monitoring in the winter months. He brings local experience from previous employment monitoring dust-on-snow and hydrologic field work. He hopes to coordinate future projects and support ongoing work with the Water Team. Outside of work, you can find Brandon playing basketball, skiing, and mountain biking. He is a strong believer in watershed conservation. As he always says, “Go Celtics, and remember to kiss your ACL’s goodnight.”

Contact Brandon at brandonl@mountainstudies.org.

Colin Tucker, Ph.D., Forest Program Director, Ecosystem Ecologist

Colin is an ecosystem ecologist with more than twenty years of experience conducting research projects spanning peat bogs to deserts, arctic tundra to tropical rainforests, and satellites to microscopes, but his passion is for restoration ecology in the Southern Rocky Mountains. He grew up in Denver, CO, and attended C.U. Boulder where he earned a B.A. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology while working as a research assistant at the Mountain Research Station on Niwot Ridge. There he discovered the joy of conducting technically rigorous science while sitting on a mountain top listening to the wind.

After college, he spent several years working as a research technician across the western U.S. on a range of projects including winter soil ecology at the Toolik Lake Field Station in Arctic Alaska, post-fire restoration in the Great Basin of eastern Nevada, and vegetation patterns of the San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo mountains in Colorado with the Colorado Natural Heritage Program. During this time he also spent two years studying the human and ecological dimensions of resilience and adaptation to rapid ecosystem change at the University of Alaska. Subsequently, he completed a Ph.D. in Ecology in 2013 at the University of Wyoming, focusing on how altered snowpacks affect ecosystem carbon cycles of sagebrush and mountain ecosystems in the Southern Rockies. Since 2013 he has worked as an ecosystem ecologist at the University of Alaska, US Geological Survey, and US Forest Service, and the Mountain Studies Institute, working hand in hand with a broad diversity of land stewards from community groups, local, state, and federal agencies, and Tribes to improve our understanding of and relationships to the ecosystems we inhabit and comprise. His published research can be found here.

Contact Colin at colint@mountainstudies.org.

Jennifer Peeso, Development Manager

Jennifer grew up in the Grand Valley of Colorado, where the mountains meet the high-elevation desert. It was here that her appreciation for landscapes and connection to nature blossomed into a lifelong passion. She left the Western Slope to earn a bachelor's degree in Sports Medicine from Colorado State University, followed by a master’s degree in Public Health. After spending years in healthcare, she transitioned to serving nonprofits as another way to improve the lives of people in her community.

Jennifer returned to the Western Slope in 2017 to explore the diverse landscapes and tranquility of the San Juans. She joined MSI in the spring of 2025, fulfilling her wish to support MSI and serve the community and mountains she loves. She brings extensive fundraising expertise and a passionate dedication to ecological health to her role as Fundraising Manager.

An avid cyclist, hiker, and backpacker, Jennifer enjoys exploring the trails with friends and family, including her beloved dog.

To contact Jennifer, you can email her at jenniferp@mountainstudies.org.

Jordan Schoen, Community Science Program Assistant

Jordan grew up on a family farm in the mountains of Central Idaho, near the scenic resort town of Sun Valley. Surrounded by the Sawtooth Mountains, his childhood was filled with outdoor exploration, which sparked a lifelong passion for nature and adventure. This passion led him to study Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Biology at the University of Puget Sound, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Mathematics.

An avid mountain biker, skier, backpacker, and backcountry enthusiast, Jordan moved to Durango in August 2024 to explore Colorado’s diverse landscapes and contribute to the conservation and research of the places he now calls home. His previous experience includes working at his university’s natural history museum and in the outdoor recreation industry, where he helped equip others with the gear and knowledge to safely explore the wilderness.

Jordan started as a volunteer for MSI, and now finds himself working with the Community Science Team. His dedication to community-building, combined with his interest in protecting ecological balance and wildlife conservation, fuels his excitement to engage with the public on responsible recreation and stewardship. As MSI’s Community Science Program Assistant, he supports volunteer outreach, helps develop Citizen Science Programs, and contributes to both local and MSI-hosted events—all while building meaningful connections along the way.

To contact Jordan you can email education@mountainstudies.org

Bill Smith, PH.D, senior research consultant

Bill is trained in ecosystem ecology and ecophysiology with a broad focus on western US ecosystems from deserts to rangelands to high elevation mixed conifer forests. He has over a decade of specialized training in multi-scale remote sensing techniques including tower-mounted, drone, aircraft, and satellite platforms. He holds a joint appointment as an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona, where he was recently honored with the 2023 ALVSCE Early Career Research Award. Bill is also on multiple NASA Science Teams including the NASA Terrestrial Ecology Science Teams and he is co-leading a new NASA ARID Scoping study to outline a future NASA field campaign focused on western US ecosystems. 

Bill received an MSc in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at Colorado State University and his PhD in the Numerical Terradynamic Simulation Group at the University of Montana. More detail on his previous research can be found through his Google Scholar. Bill has spent most of his life in the Rocky Mountains and he wants to help provide science people can use to better manage these fragile ecosystems in the face of rapid change. 

Contact Bill at wksmith@arizona.edu.

Drew Rozean, Accounting Manager

Drew hails from the small mountain town of Granby, CO and feels most at home in aspen groves. She joined MSI in 2023 and has a diverse background in environmental nonprofits, economic development, public health, and healthcare. After many years relishing life in Montana, she relocated to Durango in 2018 to be closer to family. She first learned of Mountain Studies Institute through her work at San Juan Citizens Alliance and admires MSI’s comprehensive and community-driven approach to the collaborative application of the best available science.

Drew attended Reed College before transferring to the University of Montana in Missoula. She earned her degree in Environmental Studies with an emphasis on Sustainable Business Management. Drew’s lifelong passion is dance. She is also devoted to holistic healing, social justice work, and caring for our elders. Drew loves getting into the woods and on the water, as well as going to music festivals, honing her nature photography skills, gardening, cooking, puzzling, and adventures with her partner Eric and cats Olive and Big Mama.

Email Drew at drew@mountainstudies.org

Haley Perez, Community Science & Communications Program Assistant

Haley (she/her) started with MSI serving as an AmeriCorps member and was hired on permanent to continue supporting the community science and communications teams.

Haley grew up in Northern New Mexico near the Sangre De Cristo Mountains where her appreciation for the outdoors began when she was very young. She spent most of her time outside taking advantage of all the seasons, exploring desert hills, camping and skiing in the mountains, and even spent a summer as a farm intern growing crops for her Pueblo. After developing an undeniable love for nature, Haley came to Durango where she graduated from Fort Lewis College with a bachelors degree in Environmental Studies and Public Health.

This degree path allowed Haley to explore her interests through research, focusing many of her projects on water quality on the local and global scale. With a passion for our watersheds as well as the health of our forests, Haley is excited to work hands on with the community to share knowledge about our environment as well as supporting MSI’s mission to protect the social and natural systems of the San Juan Mountains. Eager to explore, when she’s not working you can find Haley paddling on the river, skiing and backpacking in the mountains, or traveling near and far any chance she gets.

Email Haley at haley@mountainstudies.org

Melissa May, M.S., Advisor

Melissa May joined the MSI team in 2022 after 10 years working downstream in the Animas and San Juan Watersheds at the San Juan Soil & Water Conservation District in Aztec, New Mexico. Melissa grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and attended Penn State University where she earned her B.S. in Environmental Resource Management and M.S. in Wildlife and Fisheries Science through the School of Forestry's interdisciplinary Watershed Stewardship Program. She moved to the Southwest in 2011 as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer and has since served in basically every organizational role from volunteer to manager- spanning water quality technician, environmental educator, grant writer, project manager, and director. Highlights from Melissa's work with San Juan SWCD include leading the development of the Lower Animas Watershed Based Plan with MSI, the infamous "Who Pooped in the River?" microbial source tracking study, and facilitating numerous successful collaboratives with local, state, and federal partners in her 6 years as District Manager. Melissa has lived in Durango since 2015, and can usually be found playing ultimate frisbee or out exploring nature- especially hiking and birdwatching around the mountains, deserts, and rivers of the Southwest.

Scott Roberts, M.S., Water Programs Director / Aquatic Ecologist

Scott W Roberts has twenty years of experience as an aquatic ecologist, field biologist, and Geographic Information Systems analyst. His work experience spans across the United States including the Southern Appalachians of North Carolina and Tennessee, the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the deserts of New Mexico, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.

Scott was trained as a geographer at Appalachian State University (B.S.) and University of Tennessee (M.S.). His graduate research examined the loss of the Eastern Hemlock from riparian forests of the southern Appalachians within the broader context of aquatic ecology, spatial analysis, and watershed resources. Scott spent five years with the Sierra Nevada Aquatic Research Lab where he explored how landscape-scale spatial patterns drive fine-scale biological processes in aquatic systems throughout California.

Scott contributes his expertise in aquatic ecology, landscape ecology, and spatial analysis to MSI. Scott lives in Durango with his wife, son, and daughter.

Contact Scott at scott@mountainstudies.org

ALEX HANDLOFF, Collaborative communications manager

Alex’s experience in theater and film, ecotourism, communication, collaboration, and sustainability brings a distinct skillset to MSI. Alex works within the Forest Team to elevate voices and capture stories occurring within the innovative collaborative partnerships working across Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. Alex’s communication and coordination work helps these partnerships achieve landscape-scale initiatives and effective cross-boundary management all while informing and engaging broader audiences.

Alex grew up in Steamboat Springs, CO, developing an early love for the outdoors and theater. After spending a cultural exchange year in Switzerland, Alex pursued an undergraduate degree in French and Geology before earning a Masters of the Environment, all at the University of Colorado. For five years, he was an adventure tour guide for French speakers in the western US and western Canada after which he held the role of Communications Director for Headwaters Alliance in Creede, CO. Alex has lived in cities and towns across the US and the world, learning that most of our environmental and natural resource problems are people problems — it’s all about relationships. He likes to think of creative ways that people can communicate and interact in order to have a future we can all live with. And by all, he means people, plants, animals, mushrooms, and everything else.

Alex tried to leave Colorado several times, but was inevitably drawn back, lured by the unrivaled access to trees, mountains, adventure, and family. He enjoys climbing, biking, running, hiking, and writing dystopian fiction.

Contact Alex at alex@mountainstudies.org

Anthony Culpepper, Associate Director, forest Program

Anthony is a Jack-of-all-trades for Mountain Studies Institute; from field work, to project management, GIS analysis, and crunching data.

Anthony came to MSI from Prescott College where he received a BA in conservation biology.  This follows his previous academic career in engineering followed by several years of hiking around, quite literally, around the American West. These journeys steered him towards an academic and professional path in ecology.  

Anthony has been with MSI since 2012 when he was a Natural Resources Intern. Currently, he serves as Research Associate and Field Manager in Silverton.  An avid long distance runner, you can find Anthony running along the ridges and peaks of the San Juan when not helping with MSI's wide range of projects.

Contact Anthony at anthony@mountainstudies.org

Jake Kurzweil, Ph.D., Hydrologist, Associate Director of Water Program

Jake Kurzweil is an ecohydrologist whose research focuses on creating climate resilient ecosystems and water supplies. Jake received his B.S. from the University of Oregon in both Environmental Science and Sociology and shortly after began a career in environmental stewardship. Jake worked as a science educator, ornithologist, and natural resource program manager before returning for his master’s and PhD in Hydrologic Science and Engineering at Colorado School of Mines (Mines).

Jake's research has included creating and implementing monitoring protocols for freshwater springs, understanding the observed hydrologic response to wildfire mitigation, and modeling possible impacts of climate and forest change on hydrologic systems. Jake has expertise in watershed and snow science, statistical analysis, computer modeling, geospatial and remote sensing analysis, and wetland ecology. Jake is also incredibly passionate about community outreach and STEM education. Jake is currently an adjunct professor at Mines and Colorado College teaching hydrology and water resources. 

When Jake is not working, he is typically playing in the ecosystems and communities he serves. On a day off you can find Jake in the alpine snowboarding, biking, or climbing with his Fiancée and big dog Luna. 

Contact Jake at jake@mountainstudies.org

Julia Ledford, Field Operations & GIS Specialist

Julia grew up in Missoula, Montana, where she developed her enthusiasm for the outdoors. She received a B.S. in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and a minor in GIS at Colorado State University in May of 2021. At CSU, Julia used GIS to research the change in vegetation extent after large avalanches. She also worked on a variety of other mapping projects for the Geospatial Centroid, where she was an intern. 

Julia works with MSI’s Forest Team to assist in collaborative forest management efforts. She uses her GIS skills to create engaging maps that showcase the variety of projects being facilitated across the southwest and will support ongoing field monitoring projects for MSI. 

Outside of work, you can find Julia splitboarding, mountain biking or admiring wildflowers in the San Juans. She is deeply passionate about avalanche education and ecosystem science. 

Contact Julia at julia@mountainstudies.org

Jewell Coleman, Education Program Manager

Jewell is an avid outdoorswoman with a love of traveling. Her hobbies have brought her through many outdoor jobs including ski instructing, zipline guiding, and outdoor education. Since 2016 she has been lucky enough to live in her trailer and explore The Sierra Nevadas, The Tetons, The Appalachians, and now The San Juans. As a newbie to the Durango area, she looks forward to experiencing new places and meeting new people who make this place so awesome!

Jewell has been hired as the Education Program Manager for MSI and is very excited to have her first job in the non-profit sector be with an organization that has so many collaborative programs driven toward educating and researching Southwestern Colorado.

Contact Jewell at jewell@mountainstudies.org