South Sound GREEN Senior Program Specialist

snadell@thurstoncd.com

Sam began working for the Thurston Conservation District in October, 2019, as a Watershed Educator with the South Sound GREEN program.

Sam is originally from New York State, growing up in the Hudson Valley and attending college in the Finger Lakes. He holds a B.S. and M.S. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from Cornell University, where he focused his classes and research on biological and physical oceanography.

Since graduating college, Sam has worked in multiple informal and environmental education roles around the country and world, primarily aboard tall ships. He has spent two sailing seasons (and one winter) working aboard the Schooner Adventuress here in Washington, sailing around the Salish Sea while educating people of all ages about maritime history, local ecology, and nautical skills.

Sam is passionate about using comedy and satire to enhance science communication, and has been featured in Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s Dive and Discover blog, AGU’s Plainspoken Scientist blog, and McSweeney’s Internet Tendency.

Outside of work, Sam enjoys hiking, playing ukulele and banjo, and tall ship sailing.

Educational Degrees & Certifications/Licenses:

  • Masters Degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science in Science of Earth Systems with a concentration in Ocean Sciences
  • First Aid/CPR/AED certified