ECI Staff

Johanna Schmitt

Director, Environmental Change Initiative
Stephen T. Olney Professor of Natural History
Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies
Johanna_Schmitt(at)brown(dot)edu

Johanna Schmitt's research focuses on the adaptive evolution of developmental, physiological, and life history traits in natural plant populations. Her research into genetic and ecological adaptations to natural climatic variations sheds light on potential adaptations to global climate change.

She is the current president of the Society for the Study of Evolution, past president of the American Society of Naturalists, a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, recipient of a Humboldt Research Award, and recently elected fellow of the National Academy of Sciences. 

Marty Downs

Associate Director
Martha_Downs(at)brown(dot)edu

The ECI Associate Director manages operations and contributes to the overall strategic direction of the ECI by identifying areas where research strength and opportunity coincide. The Associate Director convenes research partners and coordinates the development of funding applications to public and private funders.

Marty's background in climate change research and science writing helps to bridge the disparate disciplines that are part of ECI. In addition, Marty facilitates communication among ECI researchers, presents complex environmental research in an accessible way and and promotes ECI events and activities.

Bonnie Horta

Administrative Manager
Bonnie_Horta(at)brown(dot)edu

Bonnie Horta is the first contact many people have with ECI. She manages budgets, schedules, international travel, grant submisssions and other administrative functions with efficiency and a cheerful smile.

Rose Kontak

ESWN Coordinator
Rose_Kontak(at)brown(dot)edu

Rose Kontak coordinates the Earth Science Women's Network. Coming from a background in energy and environmental policy, she is now in charge of organizing, promoting, managing and advancing ESWN. If you are interested in joining or contributing, please contact her.

ESWN is a peer-mentoring network of women in the Earth Sciences, most of whom are in the early stages of their careers. We have nearly 1000 members spanning at least 19 different countries. We represent most major universities, goverment agencies, and research organizations in the U.S. and abroad.