Dr. Micah Russell is Director of the Masters of Environmental Management (MEM) program within the Clark School of Environment and Sustainability at Western Colorado University.  Micah teaches environmental project management, wetland restoration and conservation, environmental organizational development and management, and environmental monitoring.  He mentors MEM students conducting 600-hour, client-based projects, as well as MS Ecology students conducting traditional research theses. 

​     As the Integrative and Public Lands Management (IPLM) Track Director in the MEM program, Micah places a strong emphasis on experiential learning and student projects that are designed in concert with community stakeholders to meet their needs.  Micah also takes pride in the development of fellowships and other opportunities for students, as well as providing high quality mentoring and practical preparation for careers across a variety of sectors (e.g., federal and state agencies, non-profits, consulting firms, etc.).  

     Micah is a watershed restoration practitioner, water resources researcher, and passionate naturalist.  Prior to returning to academia, he was executive director of an organization planning and implementing large floodplain restoration projects in the lower Columbia River.  Since then he has also gained experience in snow hydrology, water supply planning, and remote sensing. He previously taught oceanography, ecology, environmental science, and environmental project management at other universities. 

​     Micah holds a Ph.D. in Water Resources from University of Idaho, a M.S. in Oceanography and Coastal Science from Louisiana State University, a B.S. in Environmental Biology from Pacific University, and a B.A. in Piano Performance from Pacific University.  When not on campus, he is typically enjoying a hike with his family, paddle boarding down the Gunnison River, ski touring, or attending live music.  Micah also serves as a trustee for his local library district.