Our Team

Don’t you want a team that works like MAD?

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Christine Dilley, MBA

CEO

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 as Vice President of Communications on the NAWBO Columbus Board of Directors and is a valued member of the Conscious Capitalism Columbus Chapter Board.

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 Extension 11.

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Mark Dilley, PWS, CSE

CHIEF SCIENTIST

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.

As a longstanding member of the Ohio Wetlands Association and the Ohio Biological Survey, Mark currently holds the position of board president for both organizations.

Mark maintains his connection with OSU as a Lecturer for the Wetland Ecology and Restoration course since 2012, imparting his knowledge to the next generation of environmental professionals. In addition to his other responsibilities, Mark is also a co-owner of the Scioto Gardens native plant nursery, further demonstrating his dedication to environmental preservation and sustainable practices. For inquiries, please contact him at Extension 10.

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Jenny Adkins, PWS

PROJECT SCIENTIST > BOTANY & EDUCATION

Jenny received her B.S. in Biology and Masters in Education from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Through her years of schooling and work experience, Jenny has become skilled in plant identification, restoration planting plans, and management practices for invasive species control. She is proficient in completing detailed botanical surveys such as Ohio’s FQAI and VIBI. She is a Professional Wetland Scientist, certified delineator with ORAM training, as well as a surveyor for running buffalo clover. She utilizes her master’s in education by working with municipalities and area school districts, developing outdoor programming and environmentally focused curriculum. She also works directly with teachers and other local educators to enhance their approach in utilizing the outdoors and wetlands in their classrooms.  Ext. 16

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”Lindsay

”PROJECT

Lindsay holds a B.S. in Environmental Science from Bowling Green State University and an M.S. in Natural Resources and the Environment, specializing in Terrestrial Ecosystems, from the University of Michigan. With a focus on wetlands, she is a Certified Wetland Delineator and has dedicated much of her career to delineating wetlands across the United States.

Beyond wetland delineations, Lindsay’s expertise extends to conducting surveys for threatened and endangered species and other natural resources. She has also conducted sampling for water quality and harmful algal blooms, showcasing her diverse skill set.

Lindsay has experience in environmental compliance auditing, NEPA biological and environmental assessments, environmental sampling, and wetland permitting. With her hands-on approach to project management, Lindsay ensures that every task she takes on is handled with care and expertise. For inquiries, please contact her at Extension 14.

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Nick Smeenk, Ph.D.

PROJECT SCIENTIST

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.

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Julius Duncan, EIT

Water Resources Engineer

Julius Duncan holds a B.S. in Biological and Agricultural Systems Engineering from Florida A&M University and an M.S. in Agricultural Engineering from The University of Georgia. Previously, he served as an Environmental Engineer at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, focusing on developing resources for irrigation professionals and homeowners to promote water-efficient landscape irrigation practices.

Before his tenure at the EPA, Julius dedicated his skills as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal and a Peace Corps Response Volunteer in Jamaica. There, he collaborated with local farmers to construct irrigation systems, implement agricultural best management practices, and provide instructional materials for farmers and volunteers alike.

Julius recently achieved his Level 5 Stream Restoration certificate. Beyond his professional commitments, he volunteers with his local Engineers Without Borders chapter, conducting site assessments and assessing the effects of stormwater runoff. For inquiries, please contact him at Extension 18.

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”Jenna

”ENVIRONMENTAL

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.

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”Robert

”ENVIRONMENTAL

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 recently finished training in Stream Restoration Level II Stream Field Assessment Techniques.

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Alexys Nolan

CONSERVATION PRACTITIONER I

Alexys Nolan is a Conservation Practitioner at MAD Scientist Associates. She specializes in habitat restoration via invasive species removal and native plantings, and is also a licensed UAV (drone) pilot responsible for aerial mapping and general photography. She obtained her B.S. in Biology at Western Michigan University, located in her hometown of Kalamazoo. Since 2016, Alexys has worked on habitat restoration projects, first at the Kalamazoo Nature Center and then at The Wilds in Zanesville. She is a certified pesticide applicator, trained chainsaw operator, and has substantial experience managing invasive species. Additionally, Alexys has completed Prescribed Fire S-130/S-190 training to conduct prescribed burns, and she contributes to water quality monitoring, cartography, and ecological surveys such as delineations, stream surveys, and site assessments. Ext. 19

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Dan Hribar

RESTORATION ECOLOGIST/ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST I

Dan is a Northeast Ohio native and 2018 graduate of the Ohio State University with a degree in Environmental Science, with an ecosystem restoration focus. His background, which includes a previous summer as a MAD intern, encapsulates a broad array of natural resources work and field studies that has taken him throughout the state and bolstered a strong interest in the region’s diverse habitats and landscapes. He has prior experience in many aspects of terrestrial and aquatic invasive species management, including the recent creation of several site master plans for the City of Cincinnati Park Board. 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 has also completed Vegetation Index of Biotic Integrity (VIBI) training.  Beyond the job, he enjoys taking an active role as a volunteer in his local community, frequently participating in tree plantings, litter cleanups, and invasive plant removals to improve green spaces for others to enjoy.  Ext. 20

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Cody Wright

Conservation Practitioner I

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. 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

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Corbin Binkley

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN

Corbin Binkley joined MAD in 2019 as an intern and in 2022 transitioned to a full-time Environmental Technician.  He received a B.S. from Miami University in Environmental Earth Science.  A lifelong Ohioan and avid angler, he has experience in traversing and assessing our local streams and watersheds, as well as identifying fish species. His understanding of aquatic life also stems from managing native fish species for Jonah’s Aquarium and working with the Ohio Division of Wildlife as a Creel Clerk.  He has also participated in research on water contamination in reclaimed mine lands. On the MAD team, Corbin works primarily with aquatic survey projects and conservation implementation projects like managing invasive species, restoration plantings, and general ecological surveys. Corbin is SCUBA certified, and he has been trained for Level 3 Bioassessment of fish.  Ext. 19

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Kathy Higdon

Office Manager

Kathy Higdon is our Office Manager. She is currently part-time as the MAD office continues 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 24 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!  Ext. 12

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Alan Coburn

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN

Alan graduated from the Ohio State University in 2018, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Natural Resources with a specialization in Ecosystem Restoration. Growing up in Northeast Ohio as an active outdoor enthusiast, he developed a deep respect and curiosity for nature. This appreciation for nature only further developed during his time as an undergraduate researcher studying the effects of restoration actions on plant communities in coastal Lake Erie wetlands. Alan joined the MAD team with this background as well as various other experiences in ecological assessments, restoration, horticulture, and land management. At MAD Scientist Associates, he is excited to share his knowledge and experience while continuing to learn and grow in the areas of invasive species management, ecological surveys, and restoration.  Alan is a licensed pesticide applicator in Ohio.  Ext. 19

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Ellie Zinsmeister

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICIAN

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 in Ohio and hopes to obtain other training and certifications to eventually master the process of restoring ecosystems from start to finish.  Ext. 19