MSOEE Students
Eli Conlee
Current MSOEE Student
Eli Conlee came to Alaska by way of the Pacific Northwest to join the MSOEE program. He graduated from Corban University in Salem, Oregon with a B.S. in Theology and has spent the last seven years working in the varying fields of agriculture, public works, wilderness lodge management, and outdoor retail.
His first multi-day trip into the mountains of Oregon was on horseback at 6 weeks old, so the wilderness must have infiltrated his DNA. He finds a great sense of place and purpose in the creation we call wilderness and is compelled to share this passion with others to encourage leadership, growth and stewardship.
When other responsibilities aren’t pressing, he can usually be found backpacking, backcountry skiing, biking or reading – and always ready to share a meal with a friend, old or new.
Robin Lockwood
Current MSOEE Student
Robin Lockwood is a current graduate student at APU in the MSOEE program. She recently graduated from the University of Hawaii at Hilo with a B.S. in Marine Science and a Certificate in Education. While in Hawaii, her research focused on the genetic similarities of coral colonies, and the applicability of using certain coral species as an indicator of excess nutrients. During the past three summers she has worked with different science centers and national parks around the state of Alaska developing educational curriculum. She is originally from Ester, AK and is excited to be back in the state full time. She is delighted to get out and explore nature with the owls this year!
Erin Moriearty
MSOEE Alumni
Erin Moriearty is originally from Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin and is new to Alaska as an MSOEE student at APU. She has a B.S. in Community Health Education from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse and is a Certified Health Education Specialist.
Erin came to APU with experience working in school and youth gardens, and having served as a Farm to School AmeriCorps member, helping to procure local foods for schools and teaching elementary school students about food and nutrition.
In addition to hiking, skiing, and knitting in her free time, Erin loves her time in Alaska as a developing outdoor and environmental educator through the MSOEE program and all the adventures that come with it.
Luke Bushatz
Current MSOEE Student
Luke Bushatz is a graduate student in the MSOEE program. He recently moved with his family to Palmer, Alaska. He grew up in Ohio on a family farm raising livestock. Through his involvement in programs like 4-H and Boy Scouts, Luke built a firm love of the outdoors into his life. After college, Luke served in the Army for ten years as an Infantry officer and continues to serve in the Alaska National Guard. He holds undergraduate degrees in History and Social Sciences.
Luke has broad experience in leadership and education. His passion for training and educating people every day on a personal level is what inspires him in his work. He has a passion to share creation with others by leading them in active engagement with their natural environments.
Joshua Wilson
Current MSOEE Student
Joshua Wilson was born and raised in the mitten state of Wisconsin. His first memories were the frequent hunting, camping, fishing and hiking trips with his parents. At 17, he was determined to see the world. He set off on a three month expedition in Baja, Mexico learning how to be a professional in the outdoors, followed by a road trip up to Alaska to finish his schooling.
With his two largest passions being the outdoors and helping others, it was an easy decision to study outdoor studies and psychology at Alaska Pacific University, graduating in May of 2015. Recent work has found him in Utah working wilderness therapy and here in Alaska working as a recreational therapist.
Patrick Higgins
Current MSOEE Student
Patrick Higgins is a graduate student at APU in the MSOEE program. Patrick received his BA in Geography at the University of Iowa and studied Outdoor Leadership and Experiential Education at Mt. Hood Community College. Before moving to Alaska, Patrick was a Programs Coordinator at Next Adventure Paddle Sports Center and an instructor for Otter Bar Kayak Lodge teaching whitewater kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, canoeing and sea kayaking in Oregon, Washington and California.
In his free time if he isn’t on the water, he enjoys doing anything outdoors from skiing or snowboarding to rock climbing, mountain biking or fishing!
Chris Eversman
Current MSOEE Student
Born and raised in the heart of the Interior, Chris Eversman is no stranger to the joys and perils of the Alaskan outdoors. After graduating from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a B.S. in Chemistry, he taught mathematics at the UAF Community and Technical College for three years.
An avid distance runner, Chris has coached runners of varying ages and abilities, specializing in first-time and intermediate marathon runners. Chris has hiked nearly every trail in the Fairbanks area, skied nearly every slope, and flipped a canoe in nearly every river and stream.
Chris lives in Palmer and is a graduate student in the MSOEE program Alaska Pacific University. Currently, he teaches in Palmer at the Kellogg F.I.E.L.D. School.
Luke Stauffer
Current MSOEE Student
Luke Stauffer wants to live in a world filled with learning and active engagement in the outdoors, and there is no better place to start doing that than in Palmer, AK. He traveled all the way up to Alaska from the dry, blistering hot Southwest: Arizona. While at the University of Arizona, he worked for Outdoor Adventures as both a Trip Instructor and Challenge Course Facilitator. His weekends were filled with challenging individuals to learn more about themselves and the natural world around them; his weekdays filled with rigorously studying philosophy. Luke is, and always will be, a student of life and whenever possible will share his wisdom and experience to better those around him.
Mike Briseno
MSOEE Alumni
Mike Briseno is a current graduate student at APU in the MSOEE program. He moved to Alaska from Fort Worth, Texas in 2010 to obtain his undergraduate degree in Outdoor Studies, also at APU.
Mike works full-time for the Voyage to Excellence School in Anchorage in addition to being an adjunct instructor for APU’s undergraduate fall and spring block courses. During the summer he fills his time working for the National Outdoor Leadership School here in Palmer, Alaska instructing wilderness, mountaineering, and sea kayaking courses.
In his free time Mike can be found running, rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, or playing disc golf.
