Emily Brown
Naturalist at Wehr Nature Center
Emily Brown has focused on public environmental edification and nature accessibility since graduating in 2006. The multidisciplinary approach of the CES program equipped her with practical educational experiences that she developed further through community-focused environmental awareness initiatives. Her journey began in her childhood at Wehr Nature Center, where she first discovered her love for nature. Emily pursued her bachelor’s degree at UWM, where she participated in a program in Costa Rica that provided hands-on experiences. That program illuminated the importance of community connections to the environment. After college, Emily served as the Education Director for Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful, where she developed recycling education initiatives and engaged the community in sustainability efforts. For the past 12 years, she has worked as a Naturalist at Wehr Nature Center, with special emphasis on making nature accessible for individuals with disabilities and creating programs that invite everyone to explore the outdoors. Emily believes in meeting people where they are in their “nature journey,” highlighting the importance of personal connection and understanding. Balancing her career with raising twin boys and enjoying hobbies like farming and improv, Emily’s work reflects her dedication to fostering a love for nature in an inclusive and relatable way.
Xiayou (Xia) Lowery
Green & Healthy Schools Program Coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Xia Lowery, a 2024 graduate of the CES program, has dedicated herself to advocacy and education. Her passion for environmental issues was ignited during high school, where she first encountered critical topics like climate change and pollution. Xia’s commitment to community service deepened through her experiences working with senior care centers, where she learned the importance of making meaningful contributions. At UWM, she served as president of the Conservation Club and organized various events and volunteer opportunities. Her efforts earned her recognition as the Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education (WAEE) Student of the Year in 2023 and recipient of the 2024 UWM Agent of Change Award. Xia’s work as the Green & Healthy Schools Program Coordinator with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources involves collaborating with K-12 schools to implement sustainable practices. She continues to build on her CES education, utilizing skills like GIS mapping to enhance school sustainability efforts. Currently pursuing a graduate degree in Environmental Conservation at UW-Madison, Xia is also engaged in a significant project with The Endangered Wildlife Trust in South Africa. Her journey reflects her commitment to fostering environmental awareness and her belief in the power of community connections.
Adena Saigh
Intern at Occidental Ecology and Art Center, California
Adena Saigh is a recent (2025) graduate, even more recently departed for a year-long residential internship. Her upbringing in an eco-conscious family, coupled with her experiences living in the Riverwest neighborhood of Milwaukee and summers in New Mexico, has profoundly shaped her values and commitment to sustainability. Adena’s journey into environmental advocacy began with her early involvement in community cleanups and outdoor activities, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. At UWM, she discovered her passion for conservation aligned with the CES program. Her major has provided her with numerous opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources at Havenwoods State Forest and the Urban Ecology Center. These experiences allowed her to engage with the community and promote environmental stewardship. With encouragement from her professors in the CES program, Adena embarked on a unique summer course in Montana through the Wild Rockies Field Institute, the equivalent of a full semester of classes. These opportunities provide students like Adena with valuable experiences and insights into interdisciplinary environmental issues through real-world studies. Adena combines her love for nature with her desire to educate and empower others, embodying the spirit of the CES program and its mission to cultivate future leaders in environmental conservation.
Colin Goyette
Restoration Ecologist at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Colin Goyette, a 2021 CES graduate, currently serves as a Restoration Ecologist at the Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. His journey through the CES program was marked by a deep engagement with plant biology, environmental geography, and ecology, culminating in a capstone project that focused on creating an Oak Savanna Restoration Plan in collaboration with the Neighborhood House of Milwaukee at their nature center in Dodge County. Colin’s hands-on experiences — including internships with the Wisconsin DNR and Mount Mary University — provided him with practical skills in ecological restoration and community engagement. His passion for the outdoors, ignited during childhood camping trips, guided him into a career where he leads volunteer groups in land management practices while educating the community about environmental stewardship. Colin emphasizes the importance of collaboration in restoration efforts. His favorite aspect of working at Schlitz Audubon is the vibrant community of volunteers who inspire him to expand his knowledge and skills. Guided by the belief that “society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit,” Colin approaches his work with a long-term vision, understanding that the seeds of today will nurture future generations. As a proud advocate for the environment and a devoted Milwaukee Bucks fan, Colin encourages current CES students to embrace practical experiences and seek guidance from their professors, reminding them that learning is a lifelong journey.
Photos provided by the alumni. Text by Zelenda Koch, 2026.