Nicole joined the Institute for Science & Policy in December of 2019. She has an extensive background in organizing people and content with Denver Parks and Recreation and Mayo Clinic. She is passionate about nonprofits and aims to help build a better future; she is on the board of Denver Employee Volunteer Opportunities, which supports and facilitates volunteer projects in Denver Metro. When she isn’t traveling or hiking, Nicole spends her leisure time writing a children’s novel and a satirical customer service guide.

Kate Long is an Engagement and Policy Specialist at the Institute for Science & Policy. She is a former community resilience consultant, with a dedication to equitable public policy and community building. In her past role, she collaborated with state and local governments throughout the United States on projects related to hazard mitigation planning, resiliency building, invasive species management, flood mitigation, and federal grant administration.

Kate holds a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Policy from Cornell University. As a former resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands, she is passionate about disaster risk reduction and preparedness. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, watching movies, and baking desserts for friends and family.

Giselle Schmitz currently works as a Policy Fellow for the Bronx Borough President’s Office researching the impacts of water quality and pollution on ecosystems and communities in the Bronx. She attended the University of Oregon School of Law where she studied Ocean and Coastal Law.

Following law school, Giselle worked as a Peace Corps Volunteer teaching at the Gansu University of Political Science and Law. She currently studies International Political Economy and Development at Fordham University with a concentration on Global Environmental and Resources Economics. In the upcoming year, she will gain additional experience in marine policy as a Knauss Fellow through the New York Sea Grant. In her spare time, Giselle is an avid scuba diver.

George Sparks has been the President/CEO of the Denver Museum of Nature and Science since November 2004.  He spent 24 years in the electronics measurement business at Hewlett-Packard and Agilent Technologies.  His career included marketing, sales, and general management of global businesses in software, systems, and services. 

Prior to joining Hewlett-Packard, George spent 9 years in the Air Force as a pilot and as an Assistant Professor of Aeronautics at the USAF Academy (1976-1978). He is a Distinguished Graduate of the USAF Academy with a BS in Aeronautical Engineering, and holds an MS in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT.

George's passion is public policy, particularly around science and education. He is a member of the Colorado Forum, and is on the Boards of Aspen Academy (an independent school), Colorado Education Initiative, Colorado Music Hall of Fame, Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, Denver School of Science & Technology and National Western Stock Show Association.

Kristan Uhlenbrock is a communicator, scientist, and policy expert. As the Director for the Institute for Science & Policy, her objective is to ensure science has a respected role in public discourse and policymaking.

Before joining the Institute, Kristan worked for the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research on external engagement to strengthen the visibility of the research, capabilities, and opportunities for partnership with the organization. She spent almost a decade in Washington, DC, in the nonprofit, think tank, and government sectors engaging in a range of Earth science and policy challenges. She has worked for the US Climate Variability and Predictability Program, the Center for American Progress, the American Geophysical Union, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the White House Council on Environmental Quality.

She has served on various boards and committees, including the American Meteorological Society, United Nations Environment Program, and Women’s Aquatic Network, among other leadership positions. She received an MS in marine science, an MA in science writing, and a BS in chemistry. In her free time, Kristan enjoys escaping to the outdoors, writing, and good food and drink with friends.