JIM ARMBRUSTER
VINS Lead Field Research Biologist Jim Armbruster began working at VINS as a camp instructor during the summers of 2014 and 2015. He then worked for three seasons as a VINS Environmental Educator and a season as a Wildlife Rehabber in Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation. In April of 2020, Jim took on the newly created role of Research Coordinator. This position allows him to use the training he received as a Wildlife Biology major at the University of Vermont, and his experiences in camp, education, and rehabilitation, to lead our research efforts on campus and with partnering organizations. Outside of VINS, Jim has volunteered as an Advanced EMT for the last five years with Woodstock Ambulance and has recently started on Hartland Rescue Squad. He is also the current animal control officer for the town of Hartland, Vermont.
EMILY BLAIKIE
Emily began working with VINS in the summer of 2019 when she was asked to create illustrations for the Forest Canopy Walk. The following year, Emily became an Avian Care Intern at the Center for Wild Bird Rehabilitation and served two additional terms. She is currently a Research Biologist at VINS, engaging in a variety of different projects. Emily graduated from Plymouth State University with a degree in Conservation Ecology.
HANNAH MAHAR
Hannah was first introduced to VINS through the ELF Science program while in elementary school. That experience helped spark a lifelong interest in nature, which led Hannah to pursue a career in the environmental field. She graduated from Eckerd College in 2023 with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in Coastal Management. Since graduation, Hannah has worked as a naturalist for Project Puffin in Maine and as a hawk counter for the Bake Oven Knob Hawk Watch in Pennsylvania. Hannah is currently serving as the ECO AmeriCorps member for the VINS Research Department, where she assists with multiple projects.