Our Team

RSC Staff

Jeanette L. Schnars, Ph.D., Executive Director

Dr. Schnars has been the Executive Director of the RSC since 2007. She received her B.S. degree in Biology from the Pennsylvania State University with a Minor in Marine Science. After working for the U.S. Geological Survey on researching sea turtle populations at Padre Island National Seashore, TX, she continued her education at the State University of New York – College at Buffalo earning a M.S. degree in Biology researching the migrations of sea turtles in Costa Rica. While working as an Instructor in the Biology Department of Penn State – Erie, she earned her Ph.D. from the Pennsylvania State University in Wildlife and Fisheries Science researching the effects of contaminants on the common snapping turtle. Dr. Schnars continues to conduct research on fisheries, turtles, and bacterial contamination in Lake Erie, in addition to being an active board member and chairing many committees. Contact Jeanette at jeanette@regsciconsort.com

Jen Salem, Plant Lab Manager 

Jen has been working as the RSC Plant Lab Manager since 2016, and was formerly the Tom Ridge Environmental Center’s Native Garden Coordinator. In addition to managing the RSC Plant Lab and Greenhouses, she is the director of the Weed Warriors of Presque Isle, a volunteer group which removes invasive plant species from PISP. Jen is also the founder of Go Native Erie!, an organization that promotes the use of native plant species while discouraging the use of invasive plants. Jen has a
background in greenhouse management, perennial production and landscape design. Contact Jen at jen@regsciconsort.com

Sean Dalton, Lab and Field Manager

Sean has been the Lab and Field Manager for the RSC since January 2022. He received his B.S. degree from Allegheny College’s Environmental Science program with a Minor in Geology and a focus in GIS in 2017. He began work with the RSC as a volunteer and seasonal intern in 2014 before being hired as the Field Technician and GIS Specialist in 2018, and later the Lab and Field Coordinator in May 2020. He has experience with many of the RSC’s projects including fish studies, water quality, algae, nutrients, and amphibian identification. Sean leads the RSC’s seasonal research technicians, pilots the organization’s drone missions, as well as compiles and organizes the RSC’s GIS database. Contact Sean at sean@regsciconsort.com

Sarah Magyan, Aquatic Biologist

Sarah has been the Aquatic Biologist for the RSC since January 2022. She was formerly the Education and Outreach Manager since May 2020 and began working with the RSC as a seasonal technician in May 2018. Sarah manages the RSC Education Program and several wetland restoration projects monitoring fish, mussels, and macroinvertebrates. She received her B.S. degree in Freshwater and Marine Biology with minors in Chemistry and Environmental Science from Gannon University in 2018. She has experience with many of the RSC’s projects including studies on water quality, algae, bacteria, and nutrient levels and enjoys educating students at the K-12 and college levels on a wide variety of topics related to science and the environment. Contact Sarah at sarah@regsciconsort.com