Ryan Clark, Environmental Specialist

Ryan graduated from Washington State University in 2016 with a B.S. in Environmental Sciences. Shortly after graduating he started working in agriculture as a crop consultant helping growers make effective agronomic decisions. In addition to crop consulting, he has worked in the fertilizer and chemical industry, in grass seed production, and on a farm in the Yakima Valley. Being born and raised in Yakima and working in the local agricultural industry has allowed him to become familiar with the many crops and agricultural practices in the area and supports his work in the NRAS Agricultural Land Use mapping program. In his free time he also enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, and beekeeping.
Ryan.Clark@agr.wa.gov, 509-571-3960

Joel Demory, Agricultural Practices Specialist

Joel (he/his) joined WSDA NRAS in 2014 as a part of the Surface Water Monitoring Program. Since then, he has worked in multiple programs in NRAS including pesticide usage collection and agricultural land use mapping. Joel holds a B.S. in Natural Resource Sciences from Washington State University. Before joining WSDA he worked with non-profit organizations in Eastern Washington restoring streamside riparian habitat, permanently protecting valuable farmland through conservation easements, and analyzing GIS data to direct easement activities. Joel currently leads the Agricultural Land Use Mapping efforts throughout Washington. He also focuses on creating GIS/mapping products to assist NRAS, WSDA and the agricultural community. He has participated in projects involving pesticide drift from aerial applications and presents NRAS data at a variety of workshops, conferences, and meetings around the state. At home he fills his time with projects, playing and watching sports, and spending time with his family.

jdemory@agr.wa.gov, 360-701-9312

Wynn Divine, Environmental Specialist

Wynn (they/them) joined NRAS in June 2022, after graduating from the University of Idaho. They obtained a B.S. in Fire Ecology and Management with a minor in Rangeland Ecology. Their duties include the collection of field samples, assisting in the drafting of technical reports, and updating mapping data for NRAS. They work within the Surface Water Monitoring Program and with the Crop Mapping program in NRAS. Their work contributes to pesticide monitoring programs, national and state-level mapping services, and community waterway protection. In their free time, they enjoy running, hiking, and live music.

Wyatt.Divine@agr.wa.gov, 360-819-6549
 

Margaret Drennan, Natural Resource Scientist

Margaret (she/hers) worked at WSDA in several project positions between 2011 and 2014 before joining NRAS permanently in 2014. Margaret has an M.S. in Environmental Engineering and studied high-solids anaerobic digestion of university cafeteria food waste followed by composting for residual odor control. After finishing her degree Margaret spent several years working as a freelance technical writer. She initially joined NRAS to help with writing projects from grant proposals to reports. Over the years Margaret has worked on a wide range of projects including best management practice effectiveness, nitrogen availability in agricultural regions, food safety implications of dairy manure compost use. Right now, in addition to work on NRAS writing projects, she is working with other NRAS staff and outside partners to develop a Pesticide Stewardship Partnership program for Washington. Margaret spends her free time swimming outside.

mdrennan@agr.wa.gov, 360-280-6849

Dani Gelardi, Senior Soil Scientist

Dani Gelardi (she/her) joined WSDA in 2021 as the Senior Soil Scientist and Climate Coordinator. She leads soil and climate efforts for the agency including the Washington Soil Health Initiative. She is also Adjunct Faculty at Washington State University in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Dani received her Ph.D. and M.S. in Soils & Biogeochemistry from the University of California, Davis, as a Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) Fellow, and her B.S. from the University of California, Berkeley. Her research program encompasses soil health, biochar, conservation practice adoption, soil management challenges, and carbon accounting in agricultural lands. When she isn’t working, Dani is backpacking or reading science fiction.

dgelardi@agr.wa.gov, 360-791-3903

Jaclyn Hancock, Water Resources Scientist

Jaclyn (she/hers) began working for WSDA in 2014 as a part of the water monitoring team. She currently leads the pesticides in groundwater monitoring program and water supply projects for the agency. Her work portfolio includes studying the impacts of drought events and water infrastructure projects on agriculture.  Jaclyn has a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from Lehigh University and an M.S. in Water Resources Science and Management from University of Idaho. She enjoys working with agricultural partners to learn about the challenges involved in food production and how best WSDA can be supportive. In her spare time, Jaclyn likes being in and around water, spending time with friends and family, and cooking.

jhancock@agr.wa.gov, 360-701-1518

Sam Kellendy, Natural Resources Scientist

Sam (They/Them) joined NRAS as a Natural Resource Scientist in 2024. They grew up in Michigan and received a Bachelors of Science degree in Conservation of Natural Resources and GIS from Central Michigan University. After attending university Sam took a term of service with Montana Conservation Corps, working with the Forest Service to conduct hydrological and fishery surveys in Northwest Montana. From there, they worked as an Air Quality Environmental Investigator in Houston TX, an Invasive Species Specialist in Boise ID, the Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Control Program Coordinator for the state of Idaho, and as a Juvenile Salmon Tagging Technician in Auburn WA. Currently, Sam works with the Surface Water Monitoring Program to collect water samples looking for pesticides, conduct data analysis, and generate technical reports and outreach materials. They have a passion for restoring and preserving healthy biodiverse ecosystems, with special interest toward keystone, indicator, and endangered species. Outside of work, Sam enjoys hiking with their partner and dogs in the woods, exploring tidepools along the coast, and reading sci-fi fantasy novels.

sam.kellendy@agr.wa.gov, 360-819-3690

 

Chris McCullough, Pesticide Usage and Stewardship Scientist

Chris McCullough (he/him) started working for WSDA in 2022. He previously worked in pear pest management at the Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center in Wenatchee, WA. Before that he worked with pests of vegetable crops in Virginia. Chris received a B.A. from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. He earned an M.S. in entomology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln studying the wheat stem sawfly in western Nebraska. He then received a Ph.D. in horticulture at Virginia Tech researching how to enhance ecosystem services in vegetable production systems. As the pesticide usage and stewardship scientist, Chris collects and maintains pesticide usage data from the numerous crops grown in WA. Additionally, he develops partnerships with producers to monitor the effectiveness of pesticide stewardship practices. Outside of work, he takes advantage of the ample outdoor activities in Washington such as hiking, fishing, and constantly weeding the garden.

Christopher.McCullough@agr.wa.gov, 564-669-3809

Leslie Michel, Soil Scientist

Leslie (she/hers) has worked for WSDA NRAS since 2019. Leslie completed her B.S. in Soil Resources Management from Oregon State University in 2012 and M.S. in Soil Science from Washington State University in 2022. Leslie has 10 years of experience working with farmers and ranchers in Washington, implementing on-farm trials in cover crops and grazing. She works with counties on the Voluntary Stewardship Program providing technical support on their monitoring plans. She also assists with the Washington Soil Health Initiative and Sustainable Farms and Fields program by providing support for soil sampling. Leslie enjoys finding practical and economical soil health solutions for farmers and ranchers. She spends her free time hiking, traveling, or working cows in Douglas County.

lmichel@agr.wa.gov, 509-731-9895

Abigail Nickelson, Natural Resources Scientist

Abigail (she/hers) has been working for WSDA NRAS since 2014 after completing her B.S. in Environmental Sciences at Western Washington University. Abigail primarily works in the Surface Water Monitoring Program. Her duties include seasonal weekly sampling in Central Washington, database management, data analysis, and implementing outreach and education activities. Prior to her start at WSDA, Abigail worked for Skagit County Natural Resources as a water quality technician where she sampled streams for fecal coliform and helped with the implementation of streamside restoration projects. Abigail’s favorite research topic is the fate, transport, and toxicology of pesticide mixtures on humans and the environment. Outside of work Abigail’s time is filled with making improvements to her house and property, horseback riding, supporting Yakima County 4-H, and occasionally hiking or camping.

anickelson@agr.wa.gov, 509-895-9338

Emily Oberhoffer, Hydrogeologist

Emily (she/her) joined NRAS in 2020 as an environmental specialist and in 2023, she became a hydrogeologist for the Regional Groundwater Quality Monitoring Program. She grew up in Iowa and received B.S. degrees in Geology and Environmental Studies from Iowa State University. After college she worked at the State Hygienic Lab in Iowa collecting surface water samples and assisting in biological assessments of streams and rivers across the state. She then headed west to Nevada where she worked in conservation and helped restore land back to its native habitat. Her main duties with NRAS are to help plan and implement the groundwater program, conduct field sampling, and analyze data associated with pesticides in groundwater. With a background in geology, Emily enjoys researching geomorphology and specifically how glacial processes shape the earth’s surface. When she isn’t working you can find her outside, most likely hiking or camping and enjoying the amazing geology of the area. 

eoberhoffer@agr.wa.gov, 509-490-2849

Adam Peterson, Agronomist

Adam Peterson (he/him) joined NRAS as an Agronomist in June 2024. He holds an MS in Crop Science from Washington State University and an MGIS from the University of Washington. At NRAS, Adam is heavily involved in the Yakima Nitrate Project. His work focuses on the development of grower support tools and resources. Before coming to NRAS, Adam worked for Thurston Conservation District and WSU Extension. He has also worked in the private sector, supporting agricultural producers growing alternative crops across the western United States. He spends much of his free time hiking, gardening, and exploring the natural world.

adam.peterson@agr.wa.gov, (360)-870-7565 

Lauren Quackenbush, Soil Health Economic Development Coordinator

Lauren (she/her) joined NRAS as the Soil Health Economic Development Coordinator in 2023. She holds a soil science degree from Cal Poly Humboldt, is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS), and a licensed agricultural Pest Control Advisor (PCA). Lauren has a broad range of agricultural and soils experience, including growing up in a ranching and rodeo family, operating her own flower and vegetable farm, working at an agricultural consulting company, and serving as an Operations Manager and Grower Representative in the Napa and Sonoma wine industries. At NRAS, Lauren manages the Saving Tomorrow’s Agriculture Resources (STAR) program. Through this and other efforts, she works to support the adoption of conservation practices in Washington by expanding economic opportunities for producers. When she’s not working, Lauren likes to spend time outdoors hiking, mushroom hunting, fishing, and gardening with her family.

lauren.quackenbush@agr.wa.gov, (360) 870-0570

Briana Rhode, Environmental Specialist

Briana Rhode (she/her) joined NRAS in 2022. She grew up in the Lower Yakima Valley and received her B.S in Environmental Science from Heritage University in Toppenish, WA. Briana worked as an intern and post-bachelors research associate at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA focusing on fish passage within hydropower facilities. She later went on to work for Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District as the Water Quality Technician where she sampled agricultural waterway for bacteria, nutrients, and other physical and chemical parameters. While not at work, Briana enjoys spending time with her children and family, camping, and exploring the Pacific Northwest.
As an Environmental Specialist within NRAS, Briana works within the Surface Water Monitoring Program collecting seasonal weekly samples in Central Washington and managing and analyzing data.

Briana.Rhode@agr.wa.gov, 509-895-9368

Jadey Ryan, Data Scientist

Jadey (she/her) joined NRAS in 2019 to support the Surface Water Monitoring Program. In 2022, she transitioned to the Data Scientist role for the Washington Soil Health Initiative and Sustainable Farms and Fields programs. Jadey has a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a B.S. in Biology from Pacific Lutheran University, and a M.S. in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences from Montana State University. Before joining NRAS, Jadey interned with Tacoma Water and gained water quality and data management experience. Currently, Jadey collects and processes soil and climate data, manages the soils database, and develops visualization and reporting tools. She is passionate about creating data products that contribute sound science to balance environmental quality and agricultural production. In her free time, Jadey enjoys spending time with her husband and three cats, doing home improvement projects, and exploring the outdoors.

jryan@agr.wa.gov, 360-819-7855

Quan Ta, Environmental Specialist

Quan (she/her) joined NRAS in June 2023. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Science with a focus on Conservation Biology and Ecology from the University of Washington Tacoma. During her undergraduate years at U.W. Tacoma, Quan assisted professors with research projects, focusing on analysis of water samples to monitor nutrient concentrations in Washington lakes. Additionally, she analyzed Puget Sound soil samples, looking for the dinoflagellate Alexandrium catenella. At NRAS Quan works within the Surface Water Monitoring Program, collecting water samples in Western Washington, analyzing data, and assisting in drafting reports. In her free time, Quan enjoys caring for her plants, traveling, and engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.

Quan.Ta@agr.wa.gov