JIM ARMBRUSTER
VINS Research Coordinator 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, Vt. He lives with his wife Taylor in Quechee, their two dogs and two cats. Taylor has worked as a veterinary technician for six years at Kedron Valley Veterinary Clinic in Woodstock, an organization with close ties to VINS.
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 Technician at VINS, engaging in a variety of different projects. Emily graduated from Plymouth State University with a degree in Conservation Ecology.
CHRIS BARRY
Chris Began Serving with Americorps at VINS in the Spring of 2023. With 9 years of life in New York City as an audio visual technician, Chris moved back to his home state of Vermont to hike the long trail and live on a farm in Grand Isle. Chris is dedicating his year to service, beginning here at VINS as a Field Research specialist.