Faculty

William Thomas, Ph.D., Director

Dr. Thomas is the Director of the New Jersey School of Conservation. He has a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Arizona State University. His research interests include ethno-ecology, conservation and traditional ecological wisdom of indigenous people. Since1988, he has conducted ethno-ecological research in Papua New Guinea. He is a fellow in the Explorers Club and has been recognized by the United Nations for the development of research methodologies now recognized as one of the "Best Practices" in the use of indigenous knowledge.

Randall FitzGerald, Ph.D.

Dr. FitzGerald is Associate Director of the New Jersey School of Conservation and Associate Professor of Environmental Studies at Montclair State University. He is an authority on microtine behavioral ecology and has authored numerous articles relating to aminal behavior, behavioral ecology, and human sociobiology. His current research interests center around mate selection strategies among humans, and the influence of conservation photography on responsible evironmental behavior in humans.

Dr. FitzGerald earned his B.S. in Environmental Science from the State University of New York, College at Purchase, and his Ph.D. in Biology at the New York State University Center at Binghamton. Prior to coming to the School of Conservation, he served as a National Science Foundation Research Associate at the University of Pittsburgh investigating sex differences in the evolution of cognitive learning. Dr. FitzGerald's current role at the School of Conservation involves overseeing all the educational and research programs at the field station. He is also the field center's webmaster.

Dr. FitzGerald relaxes by creating fine art images of natural and rural landscapes. He is represented by several fine art galleries in Pennsylvannia, New York and New Jersey.

Walter Myers, Dir. Rec.

Walt is an environmental educator at the New Jersey School of Conservation, with a specialty in the Outdoor Pursuits. The bulk of his work involves getting students to come to a better understanding and appreciation of the natural world through adventure education programming, developing wilderness skills and leading outdoor recreational activities. He also teaches a variety of classes related to the environement in the sciences, humanities and the social sciences.

Walt has extensive wilderness experience rock climbing, backpacking, canoeing, kayaking and skiing in some of the most wonderfully wild places in the United States. His most recent adventures have been cycling in Vermont and Germany, skiing the Rockies and kayaking coastal Maine.

His professional associations have included the Wilderness Education Association, Outward Bound, and the American Canoe Association.

Jennifer Correa-Kruegel

Jennifer has worked for the Hunterdon County Park System as a Park Naturalist. She obtained her undergrad in Environmental Studies from Ramapo College of NJ in 2002 and received her Master’s Degree in Parks and Resource Management from Slippery Rock University in 2009.
When not working, Jennifer enjoys yoga and spending time with her husband, daughter Isabelle and two dogs.

Tom Card

We are particularly fortunate to have someone of Tom's character and experience as part of our teaching staff. He brings a wealth of knowledge, a wonderful sense of humor and the gift of being able to teach. His professionalism and enthusiasm are second to none.

Tom Card is a life long resident of Sussex County, New Jersey. Retired, Tom spent 33 years with the New Jersey Park Service as a ranger and a supervising lieutenant. He was a student at Seton Hall University and a graduate of the New Jersey State Police Academy.

Tom has had extensive training with the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR) and served on the High Angle Rescue Team, a rescue team that performs rescues on high cliff surfaces. He's active in the community as a member of the Wantage School Board and a leader with the Boy Scouts. Tom enjoys hiking, camping and all outdoor activities.