Peer Support Workers of the Northeast Region

USGS Northeast Region

Connecticut  |  Kentucky  |  Maryland  |  Massachusetts  |  New Jersey  |  New York  |  Pennsylvania  |  Virginia

Connecticut

     New England Water Science Center—East Hartford, CT

          Andrew Massey, Physical Scientist, ajmassey@usgs.gov 207-616-9738 

Kentucky

     Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center—Louisville, KY

          Andre Ferguson, Hydrologic Technician, amferguson@usgs.gov, 502-493-1910
Andre Ferguson is a Hydrologic Technician at the Oklahoma Kentucky Indiana (OKI) Water Science Center located in Louisville, KY and has been with the USGS since 2018. He primarily focuses on surface water sampling, while occasionally helping with water quality and groundwater projects. Andre is originally from the state of Minnesota, where he graduated with a B.S. in Biology. Throughout his first couple of years with the Survey, he recognized the positive impact of the PSW program. In his view, the workplace culture had improved and become more inclusive as a result of this program. Andre hopes to continue the work of the PSW program to create a more inclusive environment in his workplace, as well as throughout the Survey.

Maryland

     Bird Banding Lab at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center—Laurel, MD

          Jennifer Malpass, Biologist, jmalpass@usgs.gov, 301-497-5804
I am passionate about increasing capacity for wildlife conservation by broadening the ranks of wildlife professionals as well as conservation stakeholders. Valuing diversity is the foundation of the business model for the wildlife profession. In the field, wildlife professionals manage landscapes for biological diversity. We work to maintain diverse habits and species, recognizing that diversity provides capacity to adapt to changing conditions. In interactions with stakeholders, we strive to uphold the public trust doctrine: all people share in the ownership of wildlife and all have a responsibility for it. In our workplaces, we collaborate in recognition that no single person or organization has all of the necessary resources- knowledge, personnel, or material- to effectively manage wildlife. I joined PSW in 2020 and have been a DOI Diversity Change Agent since 2018.

     Chesapeake Bay Activities—Annapolis, MD

          Durga Ghosh, Chemist, dghosh@usgs.gov, 410-267-5750
Durga Ghosh is a Chemist at the U.S. Geological Survey MD-DE-DC Water Science Center in Baltimore.  In her current role as the Quality Assurance Coordinator for the Chesapeake Bay Partnership, she supports the water quality monitoring efforts of EPA funded programs.  She has been an active advocate of science learning and rarely misses an opportunity to mentor STEM promotion efforts.  She was a member of the Pennsylvania State University Climate and Diversity Committee for several years.  She hopes to us the PSW platform to promote awareness and provide resources for a safe and rewarding work environment.

     Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center—UMBC Research Park in Balitmore, MD

          Lillian Gorman Sanisaca, Physical Scientist, lgormansanisaca@usgs.gov, 443-498-5546

Massachusetts

     Eastern Ecological Science Center—Turners Falls, MA

          Jill Fleming, Wildlife Biologist, jefleming@usgs.gov, 413-863-3876
I’m a Wildlife Biologist at USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center (formerly Patuxent Wildlife Research Center), where I have worked with the Northeast Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative since 2018. The things I enjoy most about my job are the days I get to spend outdoors and the people I work with that share the same desire to advance our understanding of the natural world as I do. I believe that a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment is something we should strive for, not only because it is critical to preserving scientific integrity, but also because it’s simply the right thing to do. I became a peer support worker in 2021 and have enjoyed learning and participating in a group whose objectives include strengthening science through compassion and inclusivity. Since then, I have become certified in the Four Stages of Psychological Safety and have completed training to be a Diversity and Inclusion Change Agent.

     New England Water Science Center—Northboro, MA 

          Jennifer Stanton, Hydrologist, jstanton@usgs.gov, 508-490-5063
I started working for the USGS as a student in 2004 and I immediately knew the USGS was where I wanted to pursue my career. For me, one of the most rewarding parts of working for the USGS is being part of a community of dedicated and supportive people. I want to do my part to help others, especially new employees, have the same positive experiences I've had and feel they are a valued part of our bureau.

     Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center—Woods Hole, MA 

Marie Bartlett, Physical Scientist, mbartlett@usgs.gov, 508-457-2306

           Marie Bartlett (she/her) is a Physical Scientist at the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science center, focusing on shoreline change analysis and coastal change hazards. Marie started her career with the USGS in late 2019, and as a new employee during the pandemic, found coworker support during that difficult time extremely beneficial both personally and professionally. As a Peer Support Worker, she hopes to return the favor by providing support, compassion, and a welcoming environment to others in the workplace. 

          Brian Buczkowski, Physical Scientist, bbuczkowski@usgs.gov, 508-457-2361
Brian Buczkowski is a Physical Scientist at the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center where he is the collections manager for the Samples Repository as well as lab manager for the Sediment Analysis Laboratory. Throughout his time at the USGS, he has been active in local, Bureau-wide, and interagency groups tasked with developing and implementing scientific collections management and data preservation strategies. Brian joined the Peer Support Worker program in July 2020 as an opportunity to help promote a work environment where everyone feels safe, heard, and respected.

          Colleen Supple, Administrative Operations Assistant, cmclark@usgs.gov, 508-457-2298

          Elizabeth Pendleton, Geologist, ependleton@usgs.gov, 508-457-2259
Elizabeth Pendleton (she/her) is a geologist with the Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center in Woods Hole, MA working on sea-level rise, climate-scale coastal change hazards, and nearshore geologic framework investigations. She is grateful to be part of the PSW program and the training and learning opportunities that the program provides. She believes that being a PSW has helped her professionally and personally, from learning more inclusive language skills to recognizing the value of diversity and self care.

          Bill Waite, Research Geophysicist, wwaite@usgs.gov, 508-457-2346
Bill Waite has been with the USGS since 1999, working as a member of the USGS Gas Hydrates Project. The path from laboratory testing of pure gas hydrate to field tests of gas hydrate in nature has been littered with “teachable moments.” The support and mentorship of Bill’s USGS peers have been instrumental in transmuting those moments into rewardingly educational opportunities. The formalization of a Peer Support Program provides a wonderful resource to the USGS that Bill is excited to be a part of!

New Jersey

     New Jersey Water Science Center—Lawrenceville, NJ

          Eric Best, Hydrologist, ebest@usgs.gov, 609-771-3916 
Eric has a passion to support co-workers in need and to promote unity in the workplace. A 25-year veteran of the bureau, Eric serves as the NJWSC Safety and Environmental Coordinator, Facility/Fleet Manager, and DEIA Representative for the Center. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Rowan University shortly before starting his extensive USGS career. In his leisure time, Eric is primarily involved in philanthropic activities through the non-profit organization that he founded to help take care of personal needs in his community, and he finds bliss and happiness through international travel. Eric desires to use his time as a Peer Support Worker to assist his coworkers to feel safe, have an outlet to release, and feel valued.

New York

     New York Water Science Center—Coram, NY

          Natalie Cheung, Hydrologic Technician, ncheung@usgs.gov, 631-736-0783 x124
I am a Hydrologic Technician in Coram, NY.  My previous work experiences include teaching at the Science Museum of Long Island and as an animal care lab technician at Stony Brook University, as well as two Americorps terms with the New York State DEC and Hudson Valley Greenway Conservancy. I have spent four years with the USGS focused on maintaining a real-time tide and continuous water-quality network throughout Long Island.  I am also currently involved in Microbial Source Tracking research to assess the geographical and biological origins of fecal contamination to Long Island embayments and in developing studies to better understand the occurrence of microplastics in the environment.

          Christopher Schubert, Hydrologist, schubert@usgs.gov, 631-736-0783
Christopher (Chris) Schubert is a Hydrologist with the USGS New York Water Science Center. Chris has over 30 years of experience working with communities, Tribal Nations, and other stakeholders to help identify and meet their coastal and climate science needs. Currently, he serves as a member of the USGS Environmental Justice Task Force; Northeast Region Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Council; and Peer Support Worker Program. Previously a Supervisory Hydrologist, Chris hopes to use his experience as a line supervisor to improve the dialogue between employees and managers. Outside of work, he and his family (when they humor him) enjoy just about anything involving water, trails, or camping.

     New York Water Science Center—Troy, NY

          Liv Herdman, Hydrologist, lherdman@usgs.gov, 518-285-5600
Liv became a peer support worker in August of 2020 in order to make the USGS as a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. She has benefited from the support of several mentoring programs for women in science over the course of her career and hopes that she can help others in the same way. When she is not working or keeping two small humans alive, she can be found swimming, biking, cross country skiing, or running to train for her next triathlon! 

          Sabina Gifford, Hydrologic Technician, srgifford@usgs.gov, 518-285-5678
Sabina Gifford is a Physical Scientist with the New York Water Science Center where she gets to apply her love of lakes and the phytoplankton and plants that live in them to a multitude of HABs related projects. She started with the USGS in February 2020 and joined the Peer Support Worker program soon thereafter. She is a big fan of music, spices, talking it out, and not letting conflicts and problems stew until they become bigger problems so the PSW program is right up her alley!

Pennsylvania

     New York Water Science Center—Milford, PA

          Diana Phillips, Hydrologic Technician, dianaphillips@usgs.gov, 518-285-5600
Diana Phillips is a Hydrologic Technician for the Milford, PA Office of the New York WSC. She started her career at the USGS during August 2019 as a student contractor. Immediately finding enthusiasm for the job, she applied for an open position to stay with the USGS and is eager to see how she grows within her career path. Diana received a B.S. in Environmental Science specializing in Sustainability Science and Policy, and a B.A. in Criminal Justice, from the University at Albany, SUNY, only a few months before starting her career at the USGS. Outside of her studies, she was an active volunteer in her community and takes passion in being a helping hand for others. Diana is excited to see how the Peer Support program has grown and wants to promote positivity and awareness on inclusive topics throughout the workplace.

Virginia

     National Center—Reston, VA

          Amanda Herzberg, Chemist, aherzberg@usgs.gov, 703-648-6462
Amanda is an analyst in the Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory at the Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center (GEMSC) in Reston, VA. She started with the USGS February 2021 and joined the PSW program shortly after with a desire to help foster a positive and inclusive work environment. In her free time, Amanda enjoys hiking in the many parks along the Potomac River and identifying the various plants and fungi she encounters throughout the year. She also likes to experiment in the kitchen and has had mostly edible results in a handful of ferments. When she’s not at work, in the woods, or making a mess in the kitchen, you may find her roller skating at a local rink or catching up on one of her favorite TV shows.

          Delia Ivanoff, Northeast Region QMS Specialist, divanoff@usgs.gov, 703-648-6612

          Annie Scott, Staff Scientist, annescott@usgs.gov, 703-648-6476
Annie Scott has served as a Peer Support Worker since the beginning of the pilot program in 2017 and feels that the program helps to promote a safe, positive, and inclusive workplace. Her academic background is in geology and geochemistry and she spent many years as a geoscience educator before joining USGS in 2016. She works in the Office of Science Quality and Integrity (OSQI).

          Aleeza Wilkins, Staff Scientist, awilkins@usgs.gov, 703-648-6106
Aleeza Wilkins is a Staff Scientist with the Natural Hazards Mission Area (NHMA) in Reston, VA. In her current role, she supports the Science for Disaster Reduction federal interagency group and serves as the NHMA liaison for the USGS Mendenhall Fellowship Program. She also leads the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Action Planning team for the mission area, striving to implement actions to improve team satisfaction over time. In that spirit, she is excited to join the PSW program to act as a connector between employees and the inclusion and integrity resources they need to thrive.