Jess joined The Woods Project as Program Development Manager in 2021, after serving as a TWP school coordinator and volunteer for five years. Jess has a background as an educator and a scientist.
She previously taught Environmental Engineering at Energy Institute in Houston ISD, and before that she was as a Seismology Data Scientist with IRIS. She graduated with a Bachelors degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a Masters Degree from Northwestern University.
Jess believes that nature is the world’s best classroom, both academically and personally. She loves getting students outside and engaging their curiosity. Through working with The Woods Project, she has seen students get excited to learn about the world and about themselves. There is nothing better than a student climbing their first mountain, seeing their first deer, or opening up to a circle of friends. As a mentor, a guide, and a backpack leader, Jess has proven herself as someone who lives TWP values – her openness to new people and experiences, zest for challenge and adventure, and tenacity when the going gets tough, make her the perfect fit for The Woods Project!
Outside of TWP, Jess enjoys cooking and trying new food, taking long walks with her dog, and playing (and winning) board games.
jmerino@thewoodsproject.org