Joan Schumaker Chadde has been the Education Program Coordinator for the GEM Center for Science and Environmental Outreach at Michigan Technological University since 1995. Joan has a BS in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan (1977) and an MS in Water Resources from the University of Wyoming (1984). Her graduate research on developing a regression model for estimating evapotranspiration rates for alfalfa hay crops in the high mountain meadows of Wyoming was supported by a graduate fellowship from the Wyoming State Legislature.  Joan completed her secondary science teaching certification (major: biology; minor: general science) at Michigan Technological University (1998).

  Previously, Joan worked for 8 years as a water quality program specialist for the Montana Department of Natural Resources (1987-1995); a natural resources technician for the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (1987); and as an environmental educator at the National Outdoor Leadership School in Wyoming, Yosemite Institute, Wyoming Outdoor Council, and at Innisfree at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore (1978-1987).

Joan enjoys her work because it is meaningful, full of creativity and variety, and includes working with a diversity of youth and adults.  Joan enjoys hiking, biking, camping and exploring natural areas in Michigan and around the country.