STEM Outdoors

The 'Other" STEM: the Overlooked Role of Outdoor-Based Learning in Preparing for Green Jobs 

Although the acronym ‘STEM’ includes four disciplines - Science, Technology, Engineering and Math - the common perception of the term has come to focus on just one: technology. STEM programs, especially those aimed at K-12 students, often revolve around computer programming, robotics or other indoor activities. 

But another world exists: outdoor-based STEM, the heart of multiple industries including fisheries biology, forest management, conservation and agriculture. PEI collaborates with community partners to introduce more students to the opportunities these industries provide, especially for those who love science and engineering and prefer to be outside. 

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PEI Welcomes New Team Members 

2022 brings new faces to PEI 

Heather joined PEI in 2022 as our Green Jobs Coordinator. In this role, she strengthens statewide green FieldSTEM career pathways in partnership with employers, career and technical colleges, and higher education institutions. She resides in Ellensburg and is excited to connect with PEI’s partners across Washington.

Heather completed her M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy with a specialization in Leadership for Sustainability Education, and a B.S. in General Science, both from Portland State University. She also completed a Permaculture and Whole Systems Design Certificate with Toby Hemenway. Heather has developed a variety of experiential education programs and has served in an advisory capacity for organizations that focus on sustainability, student development and leadership, STEM careers, civic engagement, and higher education. Outside of work, Heather enjoys gardening, creating art, reading, writing, and traveling.

Originally from the Midwest, Erin developed an appreciation for natural resources and the significance of outdoor learning in the Minnesota Boundary Waters. After moving to Washington State with her husband, Erin earned her B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Washington. Following graduation, she worked with the Conservation District for 10 years as farm program manager where she worked with landowners and other residents on strategies to manage resources for production and water quality. Erin is a graduate of Ag Forestry and has also served on the KGI Watershed Council, Harbor WIldWatch, Greater Gig Harbor Foundation, Open Space Task Force and Pierce County Conservation Futures citizen advisory board. Through these service commitments and life experiences, Erin recognized the value to communities when classroom experiences were moved outside. Investing in programs which connect youth with their environment and helping them develop curiosity and skills to work in natural resource fields, encouraged critical thinking and problem solving.  She is currently the Director of Regulatory Affairs at Taylor Shellfish Farms where she continues to work with farmers on sustainability and compliance. Erin lives with her husband, young daughter, dog and horses in Gig Harbor and enjoys gardening and exploring Washington’s many parks and open spaces.

Join the PEI Team

We are hiring! 

• East Sound - South FieldSTEM Coordinator
• Northwest WA FieldSTEM Coordinator

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The 2022 FieldSTEM Celebration 

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Thank you to our recent funders