Our Staff

Volunteers Welcome

Our dedicated staff exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to our team.

Cory Whitely - Executive Director

Bio coming soon.

Theodore Krauss - Research Technician

Teddy is originally from Juneau, Alaska, and has always had a passion for hiking and camping and a keen interest in outdoor recreation. He briefly studied at UAA and MSU before moving to Fairbanks to finish his undergrad at UAF. Currently, in his senior year, Teddy has taken classes on ecology, watershed management, soils, and fish biology to gain a better understanding of ecosystem functions and stewardship. After moving to Fairbanks, Teddy has also gained a deeper appreciation for fishing and is constantly learning more about the sport and the fish he catches. He found his way into TVWA when conducting an Undergraduate Research and Scholarly Activity (URSA) project where he compared differing types of streambanks around Fairbanks as salmon habitats. He has been a part of the team since the Summer of 2024.


Teslin Brannan - Field Intern

Born and raised within the Tanana Valley Watershed, Teslin has a deep connection to water, reflected in her middle name, River. From a young age, she’s been deeply involved with Interior waterways by swimming, paddling, and fishing. Her scientific journey started in kindergarten, with continuing contributions to a decade-long study of a levee that affected a nearby slough. This evolved into broader environmental research, including riparian zone surveys and water quality monitoring. Teslin has presented her findings at various state, regional, and international conferences. She’s now studying environmental science at Linfield University while competing as a pole vaulter. Teslin completed dual enrollment courses at the University of Alaska Fairbanks during high school and has worked as a field intern with TVWA for two summers. Her interaction with TVWA began in 2012 and continues to this day.