Our Team
Don’t you want a team that works like MAD?
Christine Dilley, MBA
As CEO, Christine adeptly manages and directs MAD Scientist Associates, LLC, leveraging her seven-year tenure at Battelle. As part of her role, Christine is responsible for managing compliance with federal, state, and municipal contracts, and has completed ODOT’s Managing the Transportation and Environmental Project Development (NEPA) Training. As majority owner, she holds EDGE, WBE, and WOSB, Ohio WBE, and Columbus WBE certifications.
With a B.S. from The Ohio State University and an MBA from Franklin University, Christine brings a strong academic foundation to her leadership. Actively involved in the community, she serves on the Conscious Capitalism Columbus Chapter Board and is a valued member of NAWBO Columbus.
Apart from her responsibilities at MAD, Christine is also passionately involved as a co-owner of Scioto Gardens, a native plant nursery. In her personal time, she indulges in genealogy research, nurtures her garden, and enjoys going for walks. For inquiries, please reach her at Ext 11.
Mark Dilley, PWS, CSE
Mark serves as Chief Scientist at MAD Scientist Associates, bringing over 30 years of expertise in wetland science, field biology, ecology, and environmental studies. As a Senior Professional Wetland Scientist (Society of Wetland Scientists), Certified Senior Ecologist (Ecological Society of America), and Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (Society for Ecological Restoration), he possesses a distinguished set of qualifications.
While his projects have spanned 25 states, Mark dedicates his efforts primarily to his home state of Ohio, advocating for the benefits of hiring “locally-grown” consultants to achieve more sustainable outcomes.
Educated at The Ohio State University, Mark holds a B.S. in Natural Resources in Fisheries Management and an M.S. in Environmental Science, focusing on wetlands. His thesis research, conducted at the renowned Olentangy River Wetland Research Park, explored the fate and transport of the herbicide atrazine in a created emergent marsh.
Mark is a longtime member of the Ohio Biological Survey and currently serves as its board president. He has also been actively involved with the Ohio Wetlands Association for over a decade, including more than 10 years as its president.
Additionally, Mark spent over a decade sharing his expertise with the next generation of environmental professionals as a Lecturer in Wetland Ecology at OSU. Beyond his academic contributions, he is also a co-owner of Scioto Gardens, a native plant nursery, further underscoring his commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable practices. For inquiries, please contact him at Ext 10.
Jenny Adkins, PWS
Jenny is a seasoned environmental professional with over a decade of experience at MAD Scientist Associates, where she serves as the Business Development and Marketing Director. In this role, she leads strategic outreach initiatives while also conducting botanical surveys, overseeing wetland and reforestation projects, and developing educational programs.
A certified Professional Wetland Scientist with the Society of Wetland Scientists, Jenny also holds credentials in wetland delineation and ORAM assessment. She earned her B.S. in Biology and M.Ed. from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
Beyond her work at MAD Scientist Associates, Jenny is involved in environmental education and conservation initiatives. She serves on the board of the Environmental Education Council of Ohio and collaborates with organizations such as the Ohio Wetlands Association and Central Ohio Pollinator Pathways. She also volunteers with local schools and libraries, sharing her passion for habitat conservation, creative planning, photography, and science communication. Ext. 17
Nick Smeenk, Ph.D.
Nick is a highly qualified professional with a diverse educational background, including a B.S. in Wildlife Resources from the University of Idaho, an M.S. in Environmental Studies from Ohio University, and a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Sciences from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. His doctoral research focused on wetland assessment methods in the Great Plains, leading to the development of the Nebraska Wetland Rapid Assessment Method and advancements in amphibian community ecology.
Previously, Nick served as a Research Associate with the Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership at The Ohio State University, where he spearheaded research and conservation programs for state-listed reptiles and amphibians, including the Eastern Hellbender, Blanding’s Turtle, Spotted Turtle, and Streamside Salamander, as well as the federally threatened Eastern Massasauga.
Nick’s expertise extends to being an Ohio Division of Wildlife Approved Herpetologist for various species and holding a federal recovery permit for the Eastern Massasauga. As a Certified Wildlife Biologist (The Wildlife Society) trained in assessment methods such as ORAM, HHEI, and QHEI, he applies his skills in research, statistical and spatial analysis, and T&E monitoring to support ecological survey, monitoring, and restoration projects in Ohio and beyond. For inquiries, please contact him at Extension 21.
Liam Schlueter, PE
Marie Pollock
Marie is a dedicated project scientist with a robust background in aquatic ecology and habitat restoration. She holds a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Clarion University and an M.S. in Natural Resources from The Ohio State University, where her research in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park explored the dynamics of headwater stream life, including fish, salamanders, and macroinvertebrates.
Her career has taken her across the country, starting as a Fish Biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). In Red Bluff, California, she helped monitor vital populations of Chinook Salmon and Green Sturgeon. Transitioning to Buffalo, New York, Marie focused on practical habitat restoration, implementing projects that included fish passage improvements, channel design, and in-stream structures. She also expanded her work to upland areas, coordinating projects to remove invasive species and create crucial pollinator habitats.
Before becoming a Project Scientist, Marie applied her scientific rigor to agricultural research at the USDA, studying nutrient content in agricultural drainage. She excels at translating complex ecological concepts and is committed to educating clients and stakeholders to ensure they are informed partners in the long-term success of every project. Her dedication is fueled by a passion for restoring and giving back to the natural environment.
Elena Pinto-Torres
Robert Keast, ASLA
Robert holds a B.S. in Urban Planning and Environmental Science from Eastern Michigan University, as well as a Master of Landscape Architecture from The Ohio State University. His diverse background includes research assistantship with the Stream and River Ecology (STRIVE) Lab at OSU, where he gained hands-on experience in stream assessment, sample collection and processing, watershed mapping, and scientific figure development.
Additionally, Robert has gained valuable landscape architecture experience through internships with Preservation Parks of Delaware County, OH, and a fellowship with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. At MAD, Robert contributes his expertise in landscape design, drafting, mapping, and illustration to help plan and execute restoration sites. Robert is trained in Stream Restoration Level II Stream Field Assessment Techniques. Recently, Robert earned his Master Gardener certification.
Jenna Roller-Knapp
Jenna is an aquatic ecology specialist with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and her Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources- Fisheries and Wildlife from The Ohio State University.
Growing up near the thousands of lakes in Minnesota and utilizing her SCUBA certification for both work and play, Jenna developed a profound passion and expertise in investigating, protecting, and restoring aquatic-terrestrial interfaces. Her undergraduate and graduate research focused on wildlife in wetlands, particularly the role of functional diversity in biotic resistance of non-native fishes and invertebrates in Lake Erie coastal wetlands.
Jenna holds several certifications, including ODNR certification for freshwater mussel surveys in Group 1 and 3 streams, EPA certification as a Macroinvertebrate Level 3 Qualified Data Collector (for both sample collection and data analysis), and Primary Headwater Habitat Training. Additionally, she has completed AAAE Airport Wildlife Management training.
At MAD, Jenna brings her aquatic ecology expertise to the team, supporting and enhancing the company’s capabilities in ecological surveys and restoration projects across the Midwest. For inquiries, please contact her at Extension 17.
Kathy Higdon
Kathy Higdon is our Office Manager. (She has moved to full-time as our office has continued to grow.)
Having earned her B.A. in Accounting & Management at Marietta College, Kathy’s experience varies from large corporations to small businesses, in addition to time spent at home raising her family. She is very excited to have joined MAD Scientist Associates to continue her career. Originally from Connecticut, Kathy has called Westerville her home for the last 28 years. She enjoys her time spent with her adult children who still live in the area, thankfully, as well as with two cats and one enormous Samoyed! She has now been blessed with one adorable granddaughter. Ext. 12
Dan Hribar
Dan joined MAD Scientist Associates in 2021 after receiving his B.S. from Ohio State University with an ecosystem restoration focus and gaining additional, graduate-level education in the biological sciences at Central Michigan University. He has prior experience in many aspects of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species management, including the creation of management plans for a city parks department and the development of field sampling methodologies to evaluate multi-taxa impacts of an invasive species in Michigan. His primary duties at MAD include assistance in wetland restoration planning, planting plan design and implementation, invasive species management, botanical surveys (VIBI, FQAI), and wetland delineation. Dan is a certified commercial pesticide applicator in the state of Ohio and has completed 36 hours of professional development training in wetland delineation and assessment. He is also certified as a Restoration Practitioner-in-Training by the Society for Ecological Restoration. Ext. 16
Cody Wright
Cody received his Associate of Applied Science in Wildlife Conservation from Zane State College. He went on to pursue his Bachelor of Science at The Ohio State University in Natural Resources Management, specializing in Parks and Recreation with a sub-specialization in Wildlife. Formerly, Cody has worked with both the Knox County Park District and The Dawes Arboretum, gaining a true appreciation for habitat restoration and the management of non-native, invasive plant species – especially in grassland/prairie ecosystems. Cody is a CNRP – Certified Natural Resources Professional, a licensed pesticide applicator, and an Ohio Prescribed Burn Fire Manager (Burn Boss). Prescribed burns are a management tool in the landscape, and Cody participates in as many controlled burns as he is able to each year. With a variety of experience throughout the realm of natural resources, From wildlife surveys and monitoring efforts to restoration plantings and educational programming, Cody is expanding his variety of experiences and sharing his abilities with the team while continuing to learn new skills and grow professionally here at MAD Scientist Associates. Ext. 19
Corbin Binkley
Corbin Binkley joined MAD in 2019 and is now in the role of Environmental Scientist II. He holds a B.S. in Environmental Earth Science from Miami University.
Corbin is a lifelong Ohioan and avid angler with extensive experience traversing and assessing local streams and watersheds and identifying fish species. He has also participated in research on water contamination in reclaimed mine lands.
At MAD, Corbin primarily works on aquatic survey projects and conservation initiatives, including managing invasive species, conducting restoration plantings, and performing general ecological surveys. He is SCUBA certified and holds a Level 3 Bioassessment certification for fish. Ext. 15
Audrey Peeples
Audrey is an Environmental Scientist I at MAD, specializing in wetland and stream ecology. She joined MAD as an intern in 2025 while completing her B.S. in Evolution and Ecology at Ohio State University. While there, she worked in a seedling ecophysiology lab focusing on seed-based restoration. She also holds a B.A. in English Literature from Denison University.
Audrey’s experience includes roles with the ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves and private environmental consulting. Holding credentials as a Level 2 EPA Certified Data Collector for benthic macroinvertebrate assessments, along with plant identification training through the Wetland Training Institute, her experience spans wetland delineations, stream monitoring, plant surveys, and invasive species management.
At MAD, Audrey’s primary responsibilities include wetland delineations, restoration assistance, and plant monitoring, with the ultimate goals of becoming a Certified Wetland Scientist and increasing Ohio wetland habitat. Outside of work, she volunteers for ODNR, Salt Watch, and Scioto Gardens, to monitor Ohio’s waterways and native wildlife.
Ellie Zinsmeister
Ellie is a graduate of the Ohio State University, where she studied environmental science with a specialization in ecosystem restoration. She has lived most of her life in Ohio and grew up visiting Lake Erie in the summers. Through these experiences, she has learned how important it is to maintain healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.
Having gained fieldwork and conservation ecology experience through previous positions with the USDA and Preservation Parks of Delaware County, Ellie has built her skills in ecosystem management, especially with wetlands. Restoring wetlands and educating the public on their importance is a high priority for her, and she understands to have healthy wetlands, the surrounding ecosystems (e.g., forests and prairies) need to be protected and carefully managed, too. The relationship between these natural systems is something Ellie strives to understand and help improve.
Outside of work, Ellie is an amateur birder and native plant gardener, hoping to attract many native birds and pollinators to her property. Working with MAD Scientist Associates, Ellie is a licensed pesticide applicator and certified wetland delineator in Ohio and hopes to obtain other training and certifications to eventually master the process of restoring ecosystems from start to finish. Ext. 19
Nate Ferris
Nate joined MAD Scientist Associates in 2025 after obtaining his Master’s of Ecology from the University of South Bohemia. His research explored the impact of hydroperiod on the survival and productivity of several common invasive wetland plants. Prior to obtaining his master’s, Nate earned a B.S. in Welding Engineering from The Ohio State University, where he focused on dissimilar metal welding for the automotive industry. Nate has prior experience in invasive species control, riverbank stabilization, and ecological monitoring of both plants and amphibians. Additionally, Nate holds credentials in the Ohio Rapid Assessment Method for wetlands (ORAM), construction inspection, and wildland firefighting. He is also pursuing his Professional Engineer license in Ohio. His primary responsibilities are construction oversight and assisting with the design and planning of restoration projects. Outside of work, Nate is an active member of Trout Unlimited’s Mad River Chapter. Ext. 16
Ethan Watson
Ethan has a passion for wildlife and the outdoors and strives to be a steward of the land.
Previously, Ethan worked for AmeriCorps Rural Action, where he helped maintain and restore upland forest habitats. He is a licensed pesticide applicator and is currently working towards becoming a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner in Training (CERPIT) and obtaining his red card for prescribed burns.
Abby Rathers
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