Join us for a special discussion with five women working in science and the environment. Secretary Elizabeth Biser, the first woman to lead the Department of Environmental Quality, will lead a conversation with these pioneering women about their exciting work and their challenges working in STEM careers.
Join us on YouTube!
Live Virtual Presentation hosted by NC Museum of Natural Sciences’ SECU Daily Planet Curator Chris Smith and the NC Department of Environmental Quality Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs staff.
You can post questions in the YouTube chat or tweet questions to #LunchTimeDiscovery and mention @NorthCarolinaEE.
About our panel
Emma Blackford, Head of Prairie Ridge Ecostation, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
Emma Blackford manages the Museum of Natural Sciences’ Prairie Ridge Ecostation, a 45-acre nature preserve in west Raleigh. Her job entails working with educational staff to plan and implement environmental education programs for the public; coordinating with the natural resources team to maintain and develop plans to conserve natural spaces and wildlife; collaborating with citizen science staff and everything in between! Each day is different as Emma assesses the environmental needs of the ecosystem at Prairie Ridge, potential benefits to native plants and wildlife, potential programming pathways, and visitor experiences. With a BA in biology from Occidental College, a MS degree in Biological Sciences from the University of New England, and a MS degree in Education from Thomas College, she draws heavily on her background in ecology and education to steward this wonderful natural space.
Dawn Reddix, Regional Supervisor, Division of Air Quality, Department of Environmental Quality
Dawn Reddix is the Regional Supervisor for the Division of Air Quality’s Raleigh Regional Office. Dawn joined the DAQ team in April 2016 as an Engineer I. She worked as an Engineer I and Engineer II before beginning her current role in July 2023. Dawn began her career in the pulp and paper industry at Scott Paper Company in Mobile, Alabama. She also has experience from SCA Tissue Mill in Northwest Alabama. Prior to her role at DAQ, Dawn taught chemistry for six years and algebra and geometry for one year at Cary Christian School in Cary, NC. Dawn has a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from Auburn University.
Dr. Rachel Smith, Head of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Lab & Curator of Meteorites, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Dr. Rachel Smith is an astronomer at the Museum, with research interests related to the formation of planets and the search for life beyond Earth. She is jointly appointed as a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Appalachian State University and is also an adjunct professor at UNC-Chapel Hill. Rachel observes forming stars across the Galaxy to better understand the chemical pathways involved in the evolution of planets, and in the formation of carbon-based molecules needed for life. She has utilized several large observatories for her work and is currently using NASA’s Infrared Telescope Facility on Maunakea in Hawaii for observations of protoplanetary systems. Rachel has a doctorate and Master of Science from UCLA, and a Bachelor of Science and DVM from Cornell University.
Victoria Thayer, Conservation Biologist, Division of Marine Fisheries, North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
Victoria Thayer is the North Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator. She responds to over 30 species of marine mammals that strand on the shores of North Carolina beaches, sounds and adjacent waterways, working with colleagues from UNCW, the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine, the NCSU Center for Marine Science and Technology, Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout National Seashores, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the NC Maritime Museum, Bonehenge Whale Center, and the NC Aquariums. These stranded marine mammals include dolphins, porpoises, whales, seals and manatees. The team conducts post-mortem examinations (necropsies) on dead stranded marine mammals to expand our knowledge of these diverse species, to collect and disseminate tissue samples for various research projects, and to understand natural and anthropogenic causes of mortality. They engage volunteers and train students when possible. This work is funded by federal grants and relies on strong partnerships with federal and state partners, universities, municipalities, and citizens.
Christine Wittmeier, Organics Recycling Specialist, Recycling and Materials Management Section, Division of Environmental Assistance and Customer Service (DEACS), North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
As the Organics Recycling Specialist for DEACS, Christine works to expand the state’s food recovery and organics recycling infrastructure by providing technical assistance, resources and grant funding to private recycling businesses and local governments. In 2022, she helped launch “Use the Food NC,” a statewide food waste reduction campaign. Christine graduated from Auburn University with a BS in Environmental Science. Her love for composting began while working as a North Carolina certified environmental educator teaching waste reduction in schools. In 2018, Christine was hired as the Environmental Programs Coordinator at Henderson County where she managed multiple organics programs including a home compost bin sale, six elementary lunchroom composting programs and a small Type 3 composting facility.
Brought to you by the NC DEQ Office of Environmental Education and Public Affairs and the NC Museum of Natural Sciences.