Our people

Jonathan Schilling, Ph.D., Director

Jonathan earned his bachelor's degree from Rhodes College and Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Maine. He is a professor in Plant and Microbial Biology and has been Station Director since 2018. Jonathan studies microbial decomposers, most often the fungi and their biology/biochemistry. He is broadly interested in how this biology relates both to biotechnological potential (applications) and to ecological dynamics (implications), including their role in carbon cycling and their potential inclusion in Earth Systems Models.

Emily Schilling, Ph.D., Associate Director

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Emily earned her bachelor's degree at Colgate University and Ph.D. in Ecology and Environmental Science from the University of Maine. With 20+ years of pedagogical experience in conservation biology and environmental science, she leads the Field Biology Program, shaping curriculum and student experience in Itasca's living-learning community. She leads station science outreach efforts and collaborates with community stakeholders to improve research opportunities and regional connections. Emily also conducts research in aquatic ecology.

Eric Sather, Facilities Lead

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Eric leads the facilities management team, maintaining the station's 64 buildings and the grounds of our 49-acre campus inside Itasca State Park. He and his carpentry team have a focus on sustainability and a keen sense of place, approaching construction projects with an aesthetic eye. They use reclaimed wood and repurposed materials as much as possible. They are working to rewild areas of our campus, using sustainable grounds management practices. He has a background in carpentry, small business management, and contracting.

Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories