Mentor: Sammy Yevak

Bio: Valerie is from Colorado Springs. She has lived there for her entire life and has always felt a deep appreciation for our beautiful state. Growing up near the magnificent mountains and wondrous wilderness cultivated Valerie’s love for nature and all of its fascinating living parts. She has been a student at Pikes Peak State College studying environmental science and will continue her education at Fort Lewis College. Valerie is extremely interested in watershed science and water resource management. When she is not studying or learning new things about science, you can find Valerie reading a good book, writing poetry, or taking a long walk outside. She hopes to explore and learn more about the natural world from a scientific perspective during the RECCS program and in her future career.