Jayne Willard

Jayne Willard is a two-time graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a B.S. in Environmental Science and a B.A. in Biology, followed by an M.A. in Geography. Her master’s thesis contributed to the larger urban beaver projects overseen by Drs. Sandra Clinton, Elizabeth Sudduth, and Sarah Ledford (also members of SEBA). 

After graduation, Jayne worked as a biological science technician for the National Park Service in Saint Paul, MN, where she was responsible for collecting data for the park’s long-term beaver monitoring program. While in Minnesota, she also served as a research technician in Dr. Emily Fairfax’s beaver-focused ecohydrology lab at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Continuing her work with beaver research post-grad has been a dream come true.

Jayne recently concluded a term with CAC AmeriCorps in Knoxville, TN, as a Program Coordinator for the Water Quality Forum. This coalition of diverse partners—including municipalities, utilities, non-profit organizations, and businesses—works collaboratively to protect, restore, and enhance the waterways of East Tennessee. In this role, she led educational outreach, organized large-scale environmental events, and secured the funding necessary to advance their mission.

When not advocating for beavers, Jayne works as a farmhand at Cruze Farm where she milks upwards of 100 cows each morning!