Image Credit: Gillian Cameron & Simon Pendleton
Simon Pendleton
Assistant Professor of Practice
Environmental Science and Policy Program
Plymouth State University
Meet Simon Pendleton, Assistant Professor of Practice, Environmental Science and Policy Program at Plymouth State University. Dr. Simon has joined the LIFT community as a faculty mentor to a SURE student intern. Already familiar with NH EPSCoR through a previous NSF EPSCoR award, Simon indicated he learned about NH-LIFT through the PSU LIFT PI, Eric Hoffman.
Simon was drawn to NH-LIFT's mission of supporting student centered research experiences and shared his own career was kickstarted by an undergraduate research experience. Simon carries this passion forward by seeking ways to give back to his current students by helping them gain experience and skills, while exploring newfound passions. Simon went on to share how much he enjoys working with students daily, helping them to understand why mountains are where they are, how rivers modify our landscapes, and so much more. These teachings can ignite a student's curiosity regarding how humans interact with earth systems and by doing so learn the skills and tools to become creative earth scientists.
Simon noted, "I am passionate and curious about the world around me and enjoy that my work allows me to explore, investigate and work to understand the earth systems all around us, how they have operated in the past, and how they will morph in the future, especially as humans continue to modify our planet."
Simon's triple layer chocolate cake with raspberry compote, chocolate ganache, and a chocolate glaze.
Outside of academia Simon enjoys being in nature in as many ways as possible: cycling, running, hiking, swimming, paddling, ice skating, skiing, and backpacking. When asked if there was something about himself that his colleagues may not know, Simon shared he enjoys making multi-layer cakes!
Chery A. Whipple
Associate Professor of Biology
Colby-Sawyer College
Dr. Chery A. Whipple is an Associate Professor of Biology at Colby-Sawyer College. Inspired by conversations with a colleague, Chery became excited about developing research opportunities for her students that connect with her tropical ecology course—specifically to explore the resilience of coral reefs. She is especially enthusiastic about the depth and impact this work can achieve through her collaboration with Dr. Geoff Cook of New England College, an expert in tropical ecology.
When asked what she enjoys most about her work, Professor Whipple highlighted her Tropical Communities course, which takes students to tropical destinations, often in developing countries. These immersive experiences challenge students to step outside their comfort zones. For many, it's their first time traveling internationally and for some, their first time on a plane. Exposure to new cultures and perspectives often proves to be both enlightening and life-changing.
A first-generation college graduate, Chery shared that she brought her horse to college, where she competed on two equestrian teams. Outside the classroom, she dedicates much of her time to cheering on or coaching her children at sporting events. She also enjoys hiking with her kids and dog, biking with her husband, kayaking with friends, trail running, Nordic and alpine skiing—and most recently, learning to play the piano!
We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Whipple to NH-LIFT!
Mary Kate Donias
Professor of Chemistry and Forensic Science
Saint Anselm College
Mary Kate became involved with NH-LIFT when she was asked to serve on the Academic Infrastructure and Research Facilities working group. As you may know, the purpose of this group is to create a statewide network of core facilities intended to broaden access to advanced instrumentation and technical expertise towards the support of research, workforce training, and economic development.
In Mary Kate’s words, “Access to instrumentation is so important for teaching and research. I was excited to learn more about other campus’ resources and how equipment might be shared.” May Kate went on to share achieving the goals of NH-LIFT will create a platform for long-term success.
As an avid teacher and learner, Mary Kate considers herself lucky that her life’s work combines the two. She feels her research makes her a better teacher.
A quilter, reader and traveler, Mary Kate is also a big NHL fan. Her passion for hockey began with a childhood love of the Hartford Whalers and continues on with the Boston Bruins.
Wonderful to meet you Mary Kate!
Geoff Cook
Associate Professor of Biology and Health Science
New England College
Geoff serves as chair of the NH-LIFT Early Career Research Trainee working group. Geoff has been involved in the NH INBRE program for many years and can attest to the positive impacts of that program on students, colleagues, and NEC. However, his research is more aligned with that of the National Science Foundation making NH EPSCoR and LIFT an exciting and natural fit for his research.
Through NH-LIFT, Geoff hopes to build a multi-institutional collaboration that focuses on better understanding Earth’s marine environment. Through these collaborations, Geoff seeks to identify novel conservation strategies that aim to protect, maintain, and restore the ecological functions of marine communities.
As a teacher and mentor, Geoff enjoys helping students cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the beauty and complexity of the natural world through scientific exploration—both above and below the waterline. This summer Geoff will serve as Faculty Mentor to two NEC undergraduate students researchers funded through NH-LIFT.
With over 25 years of experience conducting research on coral reefs and marine ecosystems, Geoff is also an accomplished SCUBA instructor who has spent more than 5,000 hours underwater.
When not teaching and inspiring students, both above and below the waterline, Geoff enjoys exploring the world with his family. Thanks for sharing Geoff!