MEET THE BOARD

WEBSITE DIRECTOR

Hope is from Michigan and completed her undergraduate degrees in Business and Political Science, and minored in Religious Studies at Albion College. After completing a master's degree in Applied Leadership and Management with a specialization in Global and Public Affairs at Thunderbird School of Global Business at Arizona State University, she moved to Eugene for law school. She is interested in water law and renewable energy. Hope spends her free time hiking, kayaking, and spending time with her dog, Casper.

WELU DIRECTOR

Abby graduated from Bard College in upstate New York with a degree in environmental science and a minor in Global Public Health. During her undergraduate years, she actively participated in food waste reduction initiatives on campus and led efforts to reduce campus emissions, obtaining an anaerobic digester to convert compost into renewable energy. Following graduation, she spent a year in Boston working at a hospital before deciding to pursue environmental law at the University of Oregon. Her interests include running, climbing, snowboarding, and biking!

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Jonathan Nourblin is a 3L from Orange County, California. He received his Bachelor’s in Communications and began his professional career as an Art Director in the Advertising industry. Jonathan eventually transitioned to Environmental Advertising where he worked with eco-friendly companies like Sphere and One Tree Planted. After a few years in advertising, he decided he needed to make a bigger impact by becoming an Environmental Lawyer. As an avid climber, Jonathan has hiked to the top of most major mountains in California, and in his free time he enjoys painting, illustrating, and repairing vintage wristwatches.

SECRETARY

Garret, the Secretary for Land Air Water this year, grew up in Portland, Oregon, between the trees in Forest Park and the excitement of downtown. Since a young age, he’s been passionate about the environment, having attended summer camp every year at Hoyt Arboretum before becoming a camp counselor himself. Today, he is studying environmental law, with a focus on conservation. Garret is excited to assist with the PIELC conference this year and contribute to our overall mission.

DIVERSITY STEWARD

After studying conservation biology at the University of Washington, Merrick is now a 2L at the University of Oregon hoping to embark on a career in environmental law. He is a native of the West spending much of his time growing up in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest, only to find himself in Eugene, nestled between the two. His primary focus is on the interdisciplinary intersection between the environment and equity, specifically with respect to disproportionate impacts of climate change on BIPOC communities. 

CONTENT REPRESENTATIVE

Bryant is a 2L from Central Pennsylvania. He majored in Political Science and Environmental Studies at Penn State, and after graduating, spent a few years working on political campaigns and in the fly-fishing industry. Bryant's interest in the fisheries for trout, salmon, and Steelhead in the Pacific Northwest inspire his passions for fisheries conservation, environmental law, and water law.  During his free time, Bryant can be found hiking, camping, birding, skiing, or most importantly harassing fish.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Blakely was born and raised in North Carolina. Growing up, she spent her summers on North Carolina’s coast, where she developed her interest in coastal issues and the environment. She continued to develop these interests at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and minors in Women and Gender Studies and Environmental Justice. She came to Oregon Law to learn how the law can be used to address coastal issues, hoping to pursue a career in coastal law. 

TREASURER

Graham was born in Seattle and loves the PNW and all it has to offer. He loves hiking/jogging and is passionate about environmental defense and preservation.

CONTENT REPRESENTATIVE

Katarina is a 1L at the University of Oregon School of Law. She is originally from Los Angeles, where she went to California State University, Long Beach to pursue Environmental Science and Policy. She then earned her M.S. in Marine Biology at Northeastern University. Before beginning law school, she worked on Catalina Island as a Marine Science Instructor, teaching K-12 students from across the country.  She is very passionate about environmental law, with a focus on ocean conservation. Her interests include surfing, hiking, SCUBA diving, and drawing.

CONTENT REPRESENTATIVE

Hannah is a 1L from Kalamazoo, Michigan. She earned a B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in Environmental Studies from Kalamazoo College. After graduating, Hannah moved to Bellingham, WA where she worked at a local nonprofit conducting community science efforts on the Salish Sea. Hannah is passionate for environmental protection and justice. She hopes to use her J.D. to support grassroots environmental work. In her free time, Hannah enjoys mountain biking, photography, reading, and exploring outdoors. 

ENGAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVE

Walter is a 1L from Eagle River, Alaska. He studied philosophy and legal studies at the University of Oregon, where he developed an interest in how the law uses language to describe nature. Walter likes to go backpacking, but when he can’t he can be found rock climbing, playing ice hockey, and reading fantasy books.

ENGAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVE

Lauren is a 1L from Sacramento, California. She graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Earth Science. During her time at UCSB, she was part of an environmental club focused on sustainability and helped with an initiative that certified the first green certified sorority house in California. Passionate about climate change mitigation and environmental policy, Lauren is dedicated to advancing solutions that protect both people and the planet. Outside of school, she loves exploring the outdoors, whether it’s hiking through forests, relaxing at the beach, or discovering new landscapes in between.

PANELIST SUPPORT REPRESENTATIVE

I am the 1L Panelist Support Representative from Madison, Wisconsin. I completed my undergrad at the University of Oregon with a degree in Environmental Studies and Political Science with the intention of attending law school here to study environmental law. I enjoy exploring the beauty of the natural world whether it’s hiking, canoeing, backpacking, skiing, or just being outside. My past experiences have created my passion for wanting to protect the environment and draws me towards a career where I can defend the spaces I care about. 

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVE

Mikey is a 1L from Reno, Nevada where he earned his degrees in Criminal Justice, Spanish and Behavioral Psychology. During his undergraduate education he worked in outdoor recreation as a competitive freeride skier and coach and backcountry guide. After graduation he served in the United States Coast Guard specializing in Search and Rescue, environmental protection and the protection of living marine resources as well as federal maritime law enforcement. Mikey is an avid skier in the winter months and in the summer, he spends his time backpacking, crafting and painting.

TREASURER’S APPRENTICE

Nitsa is a 1L from Portland, Oregon. She graduated from the University of Oregon with a degree in Psychology and French, and has experience working in sustainable business operations. She is most passionate about conservation policy in the Pacific Northwest, and in her free time, she enjoys skiing, climbing, and watching Duck Football. 

WEBSITE APPRENTICE

Casey is from Boise, Idaho where he earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Boise State University. He spent nearly fifteen years working in outdoor recreation, where he developed a deep appreciation for wild spaces. Casey plans to use his unique perspective in his advocacy to protect public lands and those wild spaces he cares so deeply for. An avid outdoorsman, he loves fly fishing, rafting, kayaking, and rock climbing.

DIVERSITY REPRESENTATIVE

My name is Gabriel Mims, and I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics with a minor in Business Administration from Louisiana State University. My passion for environmental advocacy is deeply rooted in my upbringing in the southern United States, where I witnessed firsthand the effects of pollution and environmental vulnerability on local communities. These experiences instilled in me a strong commitment to advancing environmental justice. I am eager to help ensure that the urgent challenges facing our environment are brought to light.

WELU REPRESENTATIVE

Paige is from Breckenridge, Colorado and graduated from Montana State University with a degree in Environmental Microbiology. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted research on Yellowstone hot springs, and after graduation, she remained in Bozeman working as a microbiologist for mine site remediation projects. She decided to switch paths and pursue a career in environmental law, landing her at Oregon Law where she is excited to learn how to bridge the gap between environmental science and policy. Her interests include skiing, mountain biking, trail running, and painting!