By Chris Grimsley, PACD Instructional Designer

I am a former teacher transitioning from a career in secondary and higher education into instructional design. I have served in many roles as an educator, including working as a classroom teacher, student support specialist, course designer, and researcher. I hold a B.S. in sociology, an M.A. in teaching, and a Ph.D. in philosophy. I completed my doctoral dissertation on the history and philosophy of science, focusing primarily on the social implications of new technologies like artificial intelligence.

In my capacity as an academic, I focused on communicating issues of philosophical significance within the sciences to both technical and non-technical audiences. I want to leverage my experience in education and science communication as I pivot to instructional design with a focus on conservation at PACD. My main responsibility is the Clean Water Academy. 

I enjoy camping and hiking, photography, motorcycling, computer programming, and playing guitar in my spare time.

I can be reached at cgrimsley@pacd.org.

During the 2022 Building for Tomorrow Staff Conference, PA Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Patrick McDonnell recognized conservation district staff with exceptionally high achievement in the Clean Water Academy. 

The following individuals were recognized for the most courses completed:

1. Jake Kennedy – PACD (previously interned at Armstrong Conservation District)
2. Brianna Osborne – Warren
3. Taylor Lawrence – Berks
4. Brady Byers – Franklin
5. Adam Seitz – Lancaster
6. Steve Beach – Blair
7. Hank Bradish – Westmoreland
8. Christina Anders – Adams
9. Keith Stetsko – Allegheny
10. Dave Taylor – Wyoming

The Secretary also recognized the following districts for having the highest number of completed courses:

1. Lancaster
2. Washington
3. Wyoming
4. Allegheny
5. Berks
6. Beaver
7. Armstrong
8. Blair
9. York
10. Chester

Conservation district staff with the most courses completed will receive a signed certificate from Secretary McDonnell.

The “DCNR 2021 Riparian Forest Buffers Series” is available to the public on the Clean Water Academy website. These fifteen webinars are provided by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Note: Internet Explorer is not recommended for using the Clean Water Academy.

PACD Software Specialist Nick Yeagy obtained his pilot’s license and is now flying a drone. The drone will take footage for training in the Clean Water Academy. Nick was at a construction site in Lebanon County on March 31, 2021, to capture video for training modules under development.