Augie Organschi
August is a second-year Masters of Environmental Management candidate at the Yale School of the Environment. After growing up working summers as a carpenter, August got his B.A. in Economics and Psychology and then went on to work as a general contractor and sustainable building materials researcher. August’s current focus is the use of bio-based materials, material circularity, and carbon sequestration. He is a film buff and holds visual storytelling near and dear to his heart. He loves community building and believes in the power of storytelling to communicate pressing global issues. August is excited to champion a wide range of stories and storytellers at EFFY.
Natalia Turkel
Natalia is a second-year Master of Environmental Management student at the Yale School of Environment. She is focusing on the intersection of environmental justice and environmental communications, looking at how to bridge the gap between people, science, and policy. Before YSE, she worked on communications teams for environmental nonprofits focused on Everglades preservation, the Florida Springs, and oceans protections. She appreciates how films and environmental media help connect viewers with issues they may not perviously be aware of or have access to.
Eliana Stone
Eliana is a second-year Master of Environmental Science candidate at the Yale School of the Environment. Her research focuses on the political and economic drivers of residential pesticide exposure and its health effects in Brazil. Originally from San Francisco, she came to Yale after previously working for the EPA on pesticide and hazardous chemical regulations. She also holds a BA in Economics and Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is excited to continue with EFFY this year to highlight powerful stories on pressing environmental concerns to the broad EFFY community.
Erin Shives
Erin is a second-year Master of Environmental Science candidate at Yale School of the Environment. Her research interests include environmental justice, urbanization, and natural hazards explored through the lens of remote sensing and geospatial applications. Before Erin's time at YSE, she worked for the NASA DEVELOP program where she developed a passion for using science communication to highlight human and environment interactions. She also earned her B.A. in Sustainability from San Diego State University. She believes effective storytelling is a critical tool for engaging broader audiences and inspiring change. Erin looks forward to working with EFFY to highlight a variety of impactful stories and artists.
Arcadia Davies
Arcadia is a second-year in the Master of Environmental Management program at the Yale School of the Environment. Her work explores the complex relationships between people and environments through analyzing historic and contemporary traditions. These studies have taken her in many directions, from studying folklore and conservation in Ireland to investigating the cultural and environmental impacts of tourism in The Bahamas. Arcadia is excited to be expanding her storytelling horizons this year through taking a documentary film making class and getting involved in EFFY. She believes that engaging folk knowledge and stories is essential to performing thoughtful and compassionate environmental work.
Isabela Valencia
Isabela is a Master of Environmental Management candidate at the Yale School of the Environment studying global governance, land use, and agricultural supply chains. Before coming to Yale, she traveled the world for 12 months as a Knafel Traveling Fellow studying climate-smart farming innovations. She holds a BA in environmental studies from Wellesley College and has language proficiency in six languages. A strong believer in the power of storytelling, Isabela is excited to join EFFY in its mission of advancing environmental awareness and driving meaningful change in the world.
Jack Hatajik
Jack is a 1st-year Master of Environmental Science Candidate at the Yale School of the Environment (YSE). He holds a B.S. in Ecology and Evolution, as well as Film and Media Studies from the University of Pittsburgh ('23). At YSE, he is conducting a research project evaluating the drivers of forest groundstory changes following emerald ash borer infestation in temperate deciduous forests. As he completes his graduate degree, he plans to prepare for a career at a governmental agency or an NGO. He aspires to conduct equitable research, ideally in collaboration with local stakeholders and Indigenous groups, and within the framework of climate change as it impacts future plant dynamics and restoration ecology. He also aims to translate scientific research into accessible and engaging content for environmental media and communication, fostering a bridge between the complexities of ecology and wider public understanding.
Elisabeth Schreiber
Elisabeth is currently pursuing her master’s degree in environmental management at Yale. She is specializing in water resource science and industrial ecology, as she is interested in how development and supply chains impact environmental health. She holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering with minor in sustainability studies. She has a deep appreciation for the arts and is an adamant believer in its power to connect individuals and inspire change.
Joseph Toman
Joseph Toman is a second-year Master of Environmental Science candidate at the Yale School of Environment, focusing on dryland biogeochemistry. His research examines the role of plant functional types in ecosystem water balance and the potential effects of grazing on carbon and nitrogen pools. His fieldwork is in the high-elevation big sagebrush ecosystems of the Intermountain West. He holds a BS in Molecular Environmental Biology, and a BS in Conservation and Resource Studies from the University of California, Berkeley. He believes storytelling through film is an effective and engaging pathway to bridge scientific research to a wider audience. Joseph is excited to spotlight different ecosystems, regions, and cultures and the practices that have shaped those landscapes.
Daniel Morgan
Daniel is a first-year Master of Environmental Management candidate at the Yale School of the Environment. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Analytics and Environmental Policy. At Yale, he's continuing to pursue the intersection of the environment and business through specializing in Business and the Environment, with a particular interest in media and media production. Daniel understands the incredible impact that communication and entertainment can have on individuals and society. He's excited to join EFFY in highlighting different stories and methods of presenting them to broad audiences.
Jonathan Haist
Jonathon is a second-year Master of Environmental Management candidate at the Yale School of the Environment. Transitioning from a background in architectural design and sustainable development, Jonathon is using his time at YSE to strengthen his background and understanding of policy work that focuses on the intersection of people, equity, and the environment. Using his experience in communicating through design, Jonathon also hopes to learn about the opportunities for enhancing environmental education and communication through different forms of media.
Effy monster
EFFY Monster has been with the festival since the very beginning. Serving as the official Environmental Film Festival at Yale mascot, EFFY Monster has been an ever-present figure at all EFFY events, screenings, and panel discussions. An enthusiastic supporter, film lover, and audience favorite, EFFY Monster is proud to (once again) be a part of the team!
