Our AmeriCorps Members
The Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute has an AmeriCorps program that currently serves communities all over the state of Idaho as well as the greater Portland region. Through partnerships with schools, community-based organizations and government agencies, PCEI addresses critical environmental and equity issues in the areas of healthy watersheds, energy and resource conservation, environmental education and outreach, as well as sustainable community development.
National and Community Service programs meet critical needs in areas such as education, public safety, health and the environment through partnerships with public agencies, non-profits, faith-based and other local organizations.
2026-2027 Members
Julia Albertson
Restoration Coordinator, Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute
Julia grew up in the Central Valley of California where she learned to love nature from a young age. From the Sierra Nevadas, to the Northern California coast, and even her backyard, Julia loved learning about all the outdoor critters. Due to her outdoor-loving personality, she attended the University of Oregon. While at Oregon, she developed an interest in ecology, environmental science, and climate change. She earned a degree in Biology with a minor in Environmental Studies. Along with her interests in biology and nature, Julia noticed a pattern in her work experiences. From coaching youth soccer and working as a hiking guide to tutoring chemistry and teaching marine biology in Tahiti, she was always drawn to roles involving community engagement and education. Through her experiences, Julia developed a passion for local involvement and community engagement to address the global threat of environmental degradation. Now, finding herself in Moscow, she is excited to work towards these goals by teaching science to kids in the community. When she's not in the classroom, you might find her painting, hiking on the mountain, or swimming.
Jacob Allen
Outdoor Science Educator, Moscow Adventure Club
Jacob grew up in Seattle, Washington, where hiking and playing outdoors sparked an early interest about the natural world. He attended Washington State University, where he studied biology and wildlife ecology and gained experience in the field. After spending some time working as a scientist, he discovered that some of his most rewarding moments came from sharing what he knew with others, which led him to a new passion for education. He now continues his journey with Americorps as an Outdoor Science Educator with Moscow Adventure Club.
Asher Alva
Volunteer Services Coordinator, The Peregrine Fund
Asher grew up in the foothills of Boise, Idaho, and from a young age quickly learned to love all things conservation. Growing up, they saw wildlife daily, including deer bedding down in the grasses and kestrels soaring overhead, which sparked a passionate desire to protect the environment these animals call home. To that end, they attended Carroll University in Wisconsin, where they studied everything from evolutionary biology to behavioral ecology, eventually earning their Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Behavior. From there, they moved back to Idaho and began their work in conservation. They are now beyond excited to work for both PCEI and the Peregrine Fund, where they hope to bring both their love for conservation and their deep appreciation for the volunteers (who make it all possible!) to the coordinator position.
Chandler Beasley
Night Sky Conservationist, BSU - Bruneau Dunes State Park - Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
Raised in Idaho, Chandler developed a growing passion for astronomy and the wonders of the night sky. She recently graduated from Boise State University, earning her Bachelor’s in Physics with an emphasis in Astrophysics and Secondary Education. After roughly four years of experience in community outreach, she has developed a deep passion for STEM outreach and making science accessible, engaging, and meaningful for people of all ages and backgrounds. Seeing firsthand the power of connecting communities through science has inspired her to expand access to science and create opportunities for people to learn, grow, and find continual inspiration in the universe.
Combining her love of the outdoors, astronomy, and community engagement, connecting people with the night sky is a dream come true. As PCEI’s Night Sky Conservationist, she helps share Idaho’s breathtaking night skies and raise awareness about the impacts of light pollution. Outside of work, Chandler loves reading, music, and cuddling with her two favorite things in the universe: her cats.
Hannah Bingaman
Outdoor Science Educator, Moscow Adventure Club
Hannah is an undergraduate student at the University of Idaho currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology. Hannah loves all things outdoors and tries to live her life to the fullest. From roadtrips and hikes along the Pacific 101 to camping in central Idaho with her family, Hannah spends as much time as possible outside. She is passionate about providing resources for young adults and teens and believes the natural world can play a large role in the mental, physical, and spiritual health of people as well as their education. Hannah is excited to graduate in May 2027 and pursue a career in teaching!
Allison Cepis
Environmental Educator, Foothills Learning Center
Allison grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs where she often hiked near the Wissahickon Creek. She spent nearly a decade teaching high school English, then eventually moved on to instructing students of all ages in museums, historic sites, and outdoor spaces. Recently, she has combined her passion for education and love for nature by pursuing a career as an environmental educator. She is excited to connect with the Boise community and inspire young people to become great land stewards. In her free time, Allison enjoys gardening, hiking, kayaking, and most of all, reading.
Coburn Hanson
Restoration Coordinator, Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute
Coburn was born and raised in the north woods of rural Wisconsin, where he spent his childhood roaming the area’s dense forests. His love for the outdoors and his experience watching the climate dramatically shift in his home region drove his decision to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Studies and Geography, the latter with a concentration in People-Environment Interactions. During college, Coburn also discovered an interest in the Russian language, and learned to read, write, and speak it.
After graduation, Coburn was drawn to the stunning physical geography of the American West. He first interned with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks, focusing on aquatic habitat and access biology in the Black Hills and Great Plains. While in South Dakota, he began volunteering as a coach for a local youth soccer club, and the joy he found in coaching led him to his next role as an environmental educator in Fairbanks, Alaska. Now in Idaho, Coburn is excited to bring his educational and professional experiences to his new role as PCEI’s Restoration Coordinator. In his free time, he enjoys backpacking, hiking, powerlifting, and all things sports.
Kennedy Karns
Outdoor Science Lead, Moscow Adventure Club
Kennedy Karns graduated from the University of Olivet in 2023 with a degree in Biology, minoring in gerontology. Kennedy, for the past two years after graduation, has been traveling around the country carrying out various conservation positions where she has found her love for the outdoors. Kennedy plans to further her education in the next couple of years with a master's degree. In her free time, Kennedy enjoys backpacking, crocheting, and reading.
Lily Linton
Environmental Educator, Boise Urban Garden School
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Lily saw firsthand the importance of environmental education and stewardship leading her to pursue a career in environmental studies. Lily graduated from Portland State University with a BS in Environmental Studies with the goal of working in environmental education and helping her community. During a road trip through the US, Lily passed through Idaho and decided to set roots in Boise. Lily has previously served through AmeriCorps as a wildlife educator at the MK Nature Center and is expanding her knowledge base by becoming a Master Naturalist to further her reach in her volunteerism. Coming back to serve an AmeriCorps term at the Boise Urban Garden School combines her love of environmental education and horticulture in a partnership that encourages community and fostering a connection to local food systems for a wide variety of ages. Lily hopes to continue growing alongside the garden throughout her term and time in Idaho.
Liv Wells
Education, Outreach, and Volunteer Coordinator, Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute
Born and raised in Coeur d’Alene, Liv has spent her whole life experiencing the beauty of Northern Idaho. After moving to Moscow to attend the University of Idaho, Liv quickly found her passion for rescuing injured and sick wildlife. While doing so, she took on the role of education, sharing information about both the environment and wildlife rehabilitation. She carried her educational pursuits to multiple state parks throughout Idaho. After finishing her Bachelors in Wildlife Sciences, Liv quickly decided that she wanted to continue to pursue her passion for environmental systems and education and enrolled in the University of Idaho’s Masters of Natural Resources Program. She is passionate about working with the community and leading others to love nature. After finishing her graduate degree, Liv hopes to be able to continue to work with the people in her community, providing information and inspiring others to care for the land. In her free time, you can find Liv hiking, traveling, doing yoga, or baking with friends and family.