Meet the Staff
Our staff members draw upon interdisciplinary backgrounds to develop programs, exhibits and related materials for the Center and Hefner Zoology Museum (HZM). We welcome you to call, email or mail us with questions or comments.
Center for Environmental Education, Natural History and Conservation
Hefner Zoology Museum
Miami University
100 Upham Hall
Oxford, Ohio 45056
With more than three decades of experience in education and environmental science, Don has taught elementary students, undergraduates, graduate students and teachers. He has received three of Miami University's highest honors: the Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award, the E. Phillips Knox Teaching Award and the Distinguished Educator Award—College of Arts and Science. He also was named a Continental Lecturer by the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). With co-author Cecilia Franz Berg, Don has written The Biosphere: Protecting Our Global Environment (Kendall/Hunt, 2005), an introductory environmental science textbook now in its fourth edition. Don serves as Director of the Center and HZM.
Cecilia holds a Masters of Technical and Scientific Communication with an emphasis in environmental science and a BA in English Literature. She has more than 20 years of experience as a technical and grant writer for numerous clients, including Cincinnati Sportsmedicine, Good Samaritan Hospital, independent surgeons and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. In addition, she co-authored with Don Kaufman The Biosphere: Protecting Our Global Environment (Kendall/Hunt, 2005). Cecilia serves as the Center's Assistant Director and the HZM's Senior Project Director.
Mike holds a Masters in Zoology with an emphasis in ecology and BA in Zoology. He has taught a variety of zoology courses at Miami University, including environmental biology, animal diversity, physiology and ecology. He has worked as an Interpretive Naturalist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources at Hueston Woods State Park, where he rehabilitated native wildlife and developed educational programs for school groups and other visitors. A gifted artist, he has illustrated several zoological books. Mike serves as Assistant Director for the HZM.
Barbara holds a Masters in Environmental Science with emphasis in water resources, applied ecology and resource management, as well as a BA in Zoology. She has over 20 years of experience as a research scientist and environmental professional. She has worked in corporate, government and nonprofit organizations, including Procter & Gamble, the Bureau of Environment/Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Three Valley Conservation Trust. Barbara serves as the Center/HZM Environmental Educator and Community Outreach Coordinator.
Steve holds a Masters in Environmental Science with an emphasis in environmental education as well as a BA in Botany. He has over 25 years experience as an environmental educator. Steve has worked as a naturalist in Yellowstone National Park, as a nature tour company owner/operator and as Executive Director for Montana Environmental Education Association. He has also twice won national awards for interpretive wayside signage from National Association of Interpretation. He currently serves on the board of directors of North American Association for Environmental Education.
Heather holds a BS in Natural Science with an emphasis in biology. Currently a graduate student in Miami University's Ecology Program, she has worked as an environmental educator and naturalist for Cincinnati Museum Center. Heather serves as the Center/HZM Graduate Assistant.