Kristi Backe is the Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator for the OSU Extension Outdoor School program. After earning a B.A. in Elementary Education at Purdue University, Kristi spent six years teaching environmental education programs and coordinating curriculum development at the Chicago Academy of Sciences/Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. While earning her Ph.D. in Entomology at North Carolina State University, Kristi organized outreach events in schools, camps, and community centers to support students in connecting to their local ecosystems. In her role as Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator, Kristi works with the Outdoor School team, the Oregon Natural Resources Education Program, formal and nonformal educators, and our many other partners to support meaningful outdoor learning experiences for students throughout Oregon.