Our Board

Board of Directors

Michael McGrann, Ph.D.
Executive Director (Non-voting)
As a wildlife ecologist, Dr. McGrann studies patterns in species diversity, abundances, and distributions and the underlying environmental drivers of these patterns. He [...]

Michael McGrann, Ph.D.
Executive Director (Non-voting)
As a wildlife ecologist, Dr. McGrann studies patterns in species diversity, abundances, and distributions and the underlying environmental drivers of these patterns. He is particularly interested in studying remote montane ecosystems with the goal in mind to inform conservation decisions responding to climate change and human land-use change. He is exploring the use of novel, noninvasive wildlife survey techniques, such as environmental DNA and automated recording devices, that are applicable in wilderness areas and across large regions. For over a decade, Dr. McGrann has led an ambitious, large-scale biodiversity monitoring program where wildlife surveys are conducted along the Pacific Crest Trail – the Pacific Crest Trail Biodiversity Megatransect.

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John Rabe
Vice President
Mr. Rabe dedicated his professional career to working with children in the public school system. He taught in a constructivist manner and found [...]

John Rabe
Vice President
Mr. Rabe dedicated his professional career to working with children in the public school system. He taught in a constructivist manner and found that to be a superior learning environment for young exploring minds. Later Mr. Rabe became a school principal and found great satisfaction bringing schools to their peak of excellence. Three of his schools became California Distinguished schools and one was named as a National Distinguished school. Mr. Rabe views himself as an entrepreneur and change agent. At the same time that leadership is critical to change he recognized that a strong collaborative group of professionals and parents would ultimately become the driving force for positive change. Mr. Rabe retired after 40 years of a thrilling career. He is proud of having been recognized for excellence in education by the United States Department of Education in 1987. Mr. Rabe decided upon retirement to involve himself in foundations that benefit mankind and the environment. He has been the president of the San Juan Foundation, an active member of SARSAS (Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead), FAR (Friends of Auburn Ravine), a board member on a medical research board with Dignity Health for eight years and now a member of the IBE advisory board.

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Amy McGrann, M.S. Environmental Science, M.S. Geography
President
Ms. McGrann is focused on raising the future generation to love the outdoors and truly connect with nature. She is passionate about getting [...]

Amy McGrann, M.S. Environmental Science, M.S. Geography
President
Ms. McGrann is focused on raising the future generation to love the outdoors and truly connect with nature. She is passionate about getting her hands dirty in the garden, kitchen, or on the trail. She loves regenerative agriculture, holistic health, and dreams of an off-grid homestead surrounded by nature’s healing beauty. Ms. McGrann has hiked thousands of miles on the Pacific Crest Trail alongside her husband and loves to be outside with her family as much as possible. She knows the logistics of the PCT Megatransect better than anyone and can be found managing trail life from basecamp up and down the length of the PCT.

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Bradley Wagner, Ph.D.
Secretary
Research interests: While Dr. Wagner’s research background is in pure mathematics, he is pivoting towards applied mathematics to offer support to the research [...]

Bradley Wagner, Ph.D.
Secretary
Research interests: While Dr. Wagner’s research background is in pure mathematics, he is pivoting towards applied mathematics to offer support to the research interests of the IBE. Currently he is studying statistics and the R programming language. In the future, he will seek to support the various research projects of The Institute by assisting with quantitative analysis of data.

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Jason Peters, M.S.
Director
Jason Peters has been in the field of environmental consulting for 8 years, and his current position is as a Senior Regulatory Specialist/Biologist [...]

Jason Peters, M.S.
Director
Jason Peters has been in the field of environmental consulting for 8 years, and his current position is as a Senior Regulatory Specialist/Biologist at ICF International, Inc. In 2022, Jason obtained an M.S. in Biological Sciences with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation. In 2020, Jason’s thesis research focused on the utilization of environmental DNA (eDNA) survey methods for determining distribution of and assessing potential spawning barriers for Chinook salmon, in the Raccoon Creek watershed located in Placer County, Ca. Jason, in collaboration with others, repeated the study in 2022, and intends to repeat the study again in 2025. Jason’s scientific pursuits have stemmed from his love for experiencing and witnessing the “awe” of nature and biodiversity, and a desire to see this biodiversity flourish.

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Robert Weygandt
Treasurer
Retired Supervisor, Placer County District 2 Robert M. Weygandt was a member of the Placer County Board of Supervisors for 28 years (from [...]

Robert Weygandt
Treasurer
Retired Supervisor, Placer County District 2
Robert M. Weygandt was a member of the Placer County Board of Supervisors for 28 years (from 1995 until 2023). He lives in the same foothills ranch in rural Lincoln where he grew up. He represented the western portion of the county, including Lincoln, Sheridan and the northern portions of Rocklin. His family moved to Placer County over 60 years ago. After graduating from Lincoln High School, Robert earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in finance and management from the University of Southern California (go Trojans!). From 1979 to 2004, he was vice president, chief financial officer, and part-owner of WECO Aerospace Systems, an aircraft repair facility based in Lincoln. His other past experience includes serving as a county planning commissioner, member of the county economic development board and community college instructor. As Supervisor, Robert was avidly involved in Placer Legacy and the Placer County Conservation Program (PCCP)—programs designed to balance responsible development with the protection of land, water, and open space within the county. Placer Legacy was honored with the Governor’s Award for Environmental and Economic Leadership in 2002. Robert is also an avid outdoorsman who admits to being a fanatic fly fisherman.

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Advisory Board

Bruce McLaughlin, J.D.
Cameron-Daniel, P.C.
Mr. McLaughlin’s law firm, Cameron-Daniel, practices in the nexus of the interdependent critical infrastructures of energy, water, agriculture, and government. The water and [...]

Bruce McLaughlin, J.D.
Cameron-Daniel, P.C.
Mr. McLaughlin’s law firm, Cameron-Daniel, practices in the nexus of the interdependent critical infrastructures of energy, water, agriculture, and government. The water and power infrastructures provide measurable value to all Californians, including flood control, municipal water supply, agricultural water supply, other ecosystem services, and recreation. It is likely true that without these extensive infrastructures, California could not have built or currently sustain: (a) many of the cities now in existence that serve as important centers of technology, critical manufacturing and government; or (b) the agriculturally productive Central Valley. Yet, it is also true that this infrastructure has significantly changed many aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems from historical norms. The water, power, and agriculture infrastructure systems, as well as healthy ecosystems and environments, are key to California’s economic and social well-being. Achieving the integrated sustainability of both built and natural infrastructure systems presents many challenges and requires systems that are robust, reliable, cost-effective and resilient. He believes there is a path forward to a sustainable future with “both/and” the built infrastructure and healthy ecosystems through the continuing stewardship of myriad stakeholders. Accordingly, he aspires to work with IBE to explore this issue in the legal, scientific, technical and theological arenas.

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Loren Clark
Conservation Planner, Salix Consulting
Loren Clark is a conservation planner with Salix Consulting, Inc in Auburn California. Professionally, Loren provides support to long-range planning initiatives with an [...]

Loren Clark
Conservation Planner, Salix Consulting
Loren Clark is a conservation planner with Salix Consulting, Inc in Auburn California. Professionally, Loren provides support to long-range planning initiatives with an emphasis on programs that seek to balance economic development activities with natural resource conservation. Loren was employed by Placer County for 30+ years where he worked on current and advance planning projects including the Placer County General Plan, Placer Legacy Open Space and Agricultural Conservation Program and Placer County Conservation Program. Loren continues to be personally involved in land conservation by serving on the Board of Directors for the Wildlife Heritage Foundation Board and is the Co-Chair for the Placer Land Trust’s Community Council. Loren enjoys travel, photography, woodworking, fishing, cooking, and time with the family including his wife Debbie and his daughters Allison, Erin and Morgan.

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Matthew Godshall, Ph.D.
Jessup Faculty, Biblical Studies
Dr. Godshall is passionate about helping students and local churches understand and live within the biblical story of God’s new-creation kingdom. He believes [...]

Matthew Godshall, Ph.D.
Jessup Faculty, Biblical Studies
Dr. Godshall is passionate about helping students and local churches understand and live within the biblical story of God’s new-creation kingdom. He believes this story applies to all aspects of our lives but is particularly concerned with helping followers of Jesus discover the biblical framework for caring for God’s good world in the present time as they long for the arrival of the new creation. Currently, Dr. Godshall’s environmental research interests include teaching an Environmental Ethics course, publishing a book on the present practice of “new creation,” and engaging the Christian community in conversation on the role of Christians in the biodiversity crisis and environmental issues.

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Fungai Mukome, Ph.D.
Jessup Faculty, Environmental Chemistry
NEEDS CHECKED Dr. Mukome’s research interests are in soil environmental chemistry and include soil amendments; investigating soil nutrient cycling; and fate and transport [...]

Fungai Mukome, Ph.D.
Jessup Faculty, Environmental Chemistry
NEEDS CHECKED Dr. Mukome’s research interests are in soil environmental chemistry and include soil amendments; investigating soil nutrient cycling; and fate and transport of contaminants in the environment. He has extensive expertise in environmental materials characterization utilizing analytical instruments; in soil amendments such as biochar, biosolids, organic fertilizers and compost; and in investigating the interactions and stabilization of these amendments in soil and their effect on nutrient cycling and greenhouse gas emissions.

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Elaine Prins
University of Wisconsin – Madison, Space Science and Engineering Center
Ms. Prins has been involved in the fields of air quality monitoring and remote sensing applications of NASA and NOAA environmental satellites. Her [...]

Elaine Prins
University of Wisconsin – Madison, Space Science and Engineering Center
Ms. Prins has been involved in the fields of air quality monitoring and remote sensing applications of NASA and NOAA environmental satellites. Her experience includes satellite remote sensing research and product development, technology transfer, operational implementation, and federal grant/contract program management (NASA, NOAA, DoD). For nearly 20 years Ms. Prins was the P.I. of the global geostationary fire detection and monitoring effort as part of the NOAA/NESDIS Advanced Satellite Products Team and the UW-Madison Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies. She currently serves as the Deputy Project Manager of the NASA sponsored Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) VIIRS Atmosphere Science Investigator-led Processing System (SIPS) at UW-Madison. Ms. Prins has participated in international collaborations and working groups assessing diverse global user needs and maximizing the utilization of global geostationary and polar-orbiting satellite derived products for hazards monitoring, climate modeling, land-use land-cover change studies, and air quality model data assimilation. She is particularly interested in exploring interdisciplinary applications of satellite derived products. She received her B.S. (U.C. Davis) and M.S. (UW-Madison) in Atmospheric Science.

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Sumathi (Sam) Sankaran-Walters, Ph.D.
UC Davis School of Nursing and School of Medicine
As a molecular biologist, microbiologist and immunologist, Dr. Sankarans studies a wide variety of systems ranging from the human immune system in aging [...]

Sumathi (Sam) Sankaran-Walters, Ph.D.
UC Davis School of Nursing and School of Medicine
As a molecular biologist, microbiologist and immunologist, Dr. Sankarans studies a wide variety of systems ranging from the human immune system in aging to the use of molecular biology in species identification in the environment. She is particularly interested in studying the relationships between frog and fish species in streams and applying innovative technologies to the process. Dr Sankaran has applied real-time PCR technology to the identification of frog and trout species in eDNA samples collected in the PCT. She plans to continue studying these samples to identify pathogens in eDNA and their relation to the distribution of frog and trout species. These molecular biology tools can be used in several proposed studies of the IBE.

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Bruce Springsteen
Placer County Air Pollution Control District
Mr. Springsteen serves as the permitting and compliance manager for the Placer County Air Pollution Control District. He has over 30 years of [...]

Bruce Springsteen
Placer County Air Pollution Control District
Mr. Springsteen serves as the permitting and compliance manager for the Placer County Air Pollution Control District. He has over 30 years of experience in air pollution formation, control, monitoring, and sampling. He has led projects evaluating the air quality impacts of the use of forest, agricultural, and urban biomass wastes for energy, biochar, wood products, and compost as an alternative to landfilling and open pile burning. He is studying the greenhouse gas benefits of forest fuel-reduction treatment projects that reduce the size and intensity of wildfire. Mr. Springsteen has a M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Davis.

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Erik White
Air Pollution Control Officer
Erik White currently serves as the Air Pollution Control Officer (APCO) of the Placer County Air Pollution Control District (District), assuming the role [...]

Erik White
Air Pollution Control Officer
Erik White currently serves as the Air Pollution Control Officer (APCO) of the Placer County Air Pollution Control District (District), assuming the role in 2015. In this capacity, Erik oversees a $5 million budget and a staff of 17 full-time air quality and administrative professionals that oversee stationary source permit engineering, enforcement and compliance activities, forest resiliency and biomass initiatives, air quality and land use planning, air monitoring activities, and a $2 million Clean Air Grant program. It is Erik’s job to ensure that these activities are consistent with state and federal statutes and regulations, and that the activities of the District continue to support regional needs to ensure attainment of health based federal and state ambient air quality standards. Prior to his appointment as District APCO, Erik spent 22 years with the California Air Resources Board (ARB). During his tenure at ARB, Erik worked in several high priority program areas, including the development and implementation of: California’s reformulated fuels programs; many mobile source diesel risk reduction programs, including the Statewide Truck and Bus and In-Use Off-Road Vehicle Regulations; over $300 million in criteria and greenhouse gas incentive programs, including the Carl Moyer Program, the Air Quality Improvement Program, and the Low-Carbon Transportation Program; and new heavy-duty engine and vehicle standards. Erik left the ARB in 2015 as Chief of the Mobile Source Control Division. In that capacity, Erik oversaw an annual operating budget of over $20 million and a staff of over 160 engineers, scientists and administrative staff in both Sacramento and southern California.

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Our Board

Board of Directors

Michael McGrann, Ph.D.

Executive Director (Non-voting)

John Rabe

Vice President

Amy McGrann, M.S. Environmental Science, M.S. Geography

President

Bradley Wagner, Ph.D.

Secretary

Jason Peters, M.S.

Director

Robert Weygandt

Treasurer

Advisory Board

Bruce McLaughlin, J.D.

Cameron-Daniel, P.C.

Loren Clark

Conservation Planner, Salix Consulting

Matthew Godshall, Ph.D.

Jessup Faculty, Biblical Studies

Fungai Mukome, Ph.D.

Jessup Faculty, Environmental Chemistry

Elaine Prins

University of Wisconsin – Madison, Space Science and Engineering Center

Sumathi (Sam) Sankaran-Walters, Ph.D.

UC Davis School of Nursing and School of Medicine

Bruce Springsteen

Placer County Air Pollution Control District

Erik White

Air Pollution Control Officer