Anna Davies is pursuing a Master’s in Ecosystem Science and Management at the University of Michigan. With a strong foundation in Environmental Science and Sustainability from her undergraduate studies, she is passionate about community engagement and environmental stewardship. Her work as a lead researcher on a threatened crab apple species and her collaboration with a watershed council in Little Traverse Bay reflect her growing expertise in Michigan’s natural areas. Anna aims to continue her efforts in environmental research, focusing on wildlife conservation and water management.
Peggy Ferguson is pursuing an MS in Sustainable Systems and an MSE in Mechanical Engineering. She graduated from Quest University Canada in 2021 with a BASc in Applied Environmental Sciences with a concentration on microplastic pollution in aquatic environments. In undergrad, she worked with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science on an accessible way to detect and quantify microplastics. She also worked with the Azimuth Consulting group on a plastic pollution framework commissioned by the Canadian Government (ECCC). Following graduation, Peggy worked for two years at SeaBird Scientific where she specialized in calibrating and measuring performance of oceanographic sensors. Her interests include green infrastructure & design, removal of plastic pollution, and using engineering to mitigate many of the world’s sustainability problems.
Sara Haleblian is a second-year master’s student at the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability, specializing in Ecosystem Science and Management. Originally from La Cañada, CA, she made her way to the Midwest for her undergraduate studies at Kenyon College in Ohio, where she majored in environmental studies and Spanish literature and language. Sara’s academic interests include plants, wetlands, and ecological restoration. In her free time, she enjoys exploring nature on walks, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Taylor Hayes is a second-year master’s student pursuing a dual degree in Urban and Regional Planning and Environmental Science at the University of Michigan, with a focus on ecosystem management and geospatial data sciences. This academic path has fueled his interest in conservation planning and green infrastructure. As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and former educator with five years of teaching experience, Taylor is deeply committed to environmental education and advancing green initiatives. His work with local farmers to build capacity for nutrition-centered, sustainable farming and permaculture sparked a passion for agriculture. Since then, he has developed a love for growing his own food and a deeper appreciation for the connections between natural areas and working landscapes.
Sara Olmsted is an ecology master’s student at the University of Michigan with a diverse background in geology and environmental science; this work has taken her from urban Cleveland to dramatic Death Valley to the deserts of Bolivia and finally here to Michigan and the exciting Stewardship Network Conference. Her undergraduate thesis delved into beech leaf disease’s impact on hydrologic cycling in mesic forests. Now, Sara works in ecosystem science and management, focusing on how to bring the benefits of natural landscapes to agricultural areas, creating an ecosystem management plan adjusted for agricultural business realities.
Sophie Steppe is a master’s student studying ecosystem science and management at the University of Michigan with a background in ecology. She has studied urban ecosystems in Louisville, wildfire restoration throughout the sagebrush steppe, and forests around the Midwest. Sophie now focuses on how to manage natural areas in agricultural landscapes, creating a management plan that brings the benefits of natural ecosystems to agricultural areas while accounting for the realities of running an agricultural business.
