Steve Johnson
EcoFS Director & Instructor
Steve founded the Ecosystem Field Studies (EcoFS) program in 2006 with a mission to provide unparalleled ecosystem field experiences for undergraduate college students. Steve has now safely and successfully taught over 40 EcoFS courses to over 800 students. He has over 30 years experience teaching Rocky Mountain and Caribbean ecosystem science. Steve is an expert in teaching complex scientific concepts with engaging, hands-on methods. He skillfully connects ecosystem components and conservation efforts of the course areas to students’ scientific research projects.
Steve earned his M.S. degree from the Environmental Studies Program at the University of Montana at Missoula (UM) and EcoFS is an official academic partner to UM. Before creating EcoFS, Steve was Program Director at Cal-Wood Education Center, a private non-profit near Boulder, Colorado and the current location for the Colorado EcoFS course. At Cal-Wood Steve established field science education programs to K-12 school groups. Other ecosystem education experience includes Naturalist for the National Park Service, Regional Coordinator for the Student Conservation Association, and Instructor for Yosemite National Institutes. Steve lives, plays and works in Boulder, Colorado.
Will Klingbeil
Instructor
William is excited to return as an Instructor. William holds a Masters in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has 10+ years of experience in laboratory and field-based sciences, environmental education, and SCUBA diving. He is currently a high school science teacher at the Buckley school in California. William spent his childhood exploring the Great Lakes region through scouting, youth camps, and a microscope. Eventually deciding to escape the cold of Wisconsin, he attended the University of Tampa where he received a B.S. in Marine Biology and Chemistry.
William has largely focused on macro-algal ecology throughout the last decade, in both an academic and industrial setting. He is both an AAUS certified scientific diver and PADI divemaster. He believes ecology should be taught collaboratively, in the field, promoting curiosity and building practical observational and experimental skills. In his free time, William enjoys spending time in the mountains, climbing, trail running, and skiing. Above all, he loves learning with others in a respectful and open-minded setting.
Dr. MacKenzie Caple
Teaching Assistant
Mackenzie is excited to join EcoFS as a course assistant. She loves sharing her enthusiasm for the outdoors and helping students hone their curiosity about the natural world through exploration and observation. Mackenzie particularly enjoys helping students plan and carry out independent field projects, because they allow students to follow their scientific curiosity while also building practical skills and confidence.
Mackenzie holds a PhD in evolutionary ecology from Indiana University, where she studied how environmental context affects mutualistic interactions between plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes. Besides over a decade of experience in field and lab-based ecological research, she has also worked in the University of Michigan natural history museums to document and preserve historically-important botanical, zoological, and paleontological specimens. She earned her Bachelors at the University of mIchigan. Mackenzie enjoys rock climbing, hiking, and volunteering with therapeutic horseback riding programs.
Peyton Eppard
Course Assistant
Peyton is thrilled to returning to EcoFS as a course instructor for another season. He was also a student on the 2023 course and he looks forward to providing another cohort of students with an unforgettable experience living and learning in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. As a firm believer in the intrinsic value of our natural resources and their conservation, Peyton is excited to work with students interested in learning more about our world.
Peyton holds a BA in Environmental Studies from St. Mary’s College of Maryland, as well as a diverse background in natural resource conservation. Throughout his undergraduate degree, he served as a field assistant for various research projects taking place around the Chesapeake Bay, including aquaculture surveying and shoreline erosion monitoring. Since graduation, Peyton has served with AmeriCorps on trail crews across the country, including the Northern Rockies and Blue Ridge Mountains. As an AmeriCorps alum, Peyton is happy to provide insight into the world of national service, and beyond.
Natalia Semone
Course Assistant
Natalia is delighted to be a part of the EcoFS team as a course assistant. She is a proud alumni from the 2024 Caribbean EcoFS course. Natalia was raised in California, which had a strong impact on her appreciation for nature and conservation practices. She is thrilled to help the next generation of students develop their passion for science and the environment.
Natalia graduated from Fordham University with a B.S. in Environmental Science. She has participated in a variety of scientific research studies and has a plethora of lab experience. Natalia’s primary focus of research was on the effects that oil spills have on local ecosystems. She also conducted her own experiment to further understand the acceleration of invasive species within New York City. Natalia enjoys volunteering at her local wetland, participating in beach clean ups, and meeting new people from all over the world.
Ava Chavez
Course Assistant
Ava is a third-year student at Arizona State University pursuing a B.S. in Conservation Biology and Ecology. Originally from Texas, she moved to Arizona with a strong interest in exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Sonoran Desert. After participating in the 2025 Colorado EcoFS course, she developed a strong appreciation for field-based research and the dynamic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains.
Ava volunteers at ASU’s Biorepository—one of the largest collections of Sonoran Desert biota—where she assists with specimen preparation to support education and research initiatives. She also works in the Seyfferth Lab at ASU, contributing to ongoing research projects and expanding her knowledge of soil biogeochemical processes. Outside of academics, Ava enjoys running, hiking, ceramics, and concerts. She is excited to return to Colorado as a Course Assistant and looks forward to supporting students in their research, and fostering a welcoming space where everyone can grow both academically and personally.