Karen Brown, M.A.

Coordinator, Educational Media/Communications

Karen oversees the APIRS office and manages the online Aquatic Plant Information Retrieval System database. She also serves as editor of AQUAPHYTE, and Wildland Weeds magazine for the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC), of which she is a board member. Karen has worked at the Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants since 1983. She has authored and co-authored numerous articles and has played a key role in most of the educational ventures of the Information Office. She has a master’s degree in Library and Information Sciences.

kpbrown@ufl.edu
(352) 273-3667

Mary Langeland, M.A.

Cataloger

Mary Langeland identifies and catalogs research publications for the APIRS database, and contributes material for AQUAPHYTE.

marylang@ufl.edu

Amy Richard, B.F.A.

Education Initiative Coordinator

Amy oversees the design, desktop production and dissemination of educational materials produced by the Center. She also coordinates the Florida Invasive Plant Education Initiative -- a program designed to provide teachers with materials and resources about Florida's native, non-native and invasive plants. At times, she can be found at various outdoor venues and schools talking with folks about Florida's diverse plant life, while dressed as a plant herself (her stage name: Amelia exotica). She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree.

arich@ufl.edu
(352) 392-6843

Lynda Dillon

Program Assistant

Lynda is a program assistant for the APIRS database and the CAIP Education Initiative. She assists in expanding the database and develops and maintains systems to track production and distribution of CAIP's educational materials. When not in the office, Lynda enjoys riding her bicycle, making crafts, and outdoor activities with her grandchildren.

dillon@ufl.edu
(352) 392-1799

Charlie Bogatescu

Web Developer/IT Specialist

Charlie is the Center's web and IT specialist. He maintains and updates CAIP's websites, assists with the design and layout of web and print assets, and handles IT tasks. He has a B.A. in Digital Media specializing in web and game development and has an interest in using new media for educational purposes. Outside of the office, Charlie's biggest interests are video games, geeky gadgets, history, and ferrets.

charliebogatescu@ufl.edu

Phil Chiocchio, M.F.A.

Videographer

Since 1988 Philip Chiocchio has been collaborating with the Center translating the science into videos for a variety of audiences at workshops and as programs on DVD and the web. Phil teaches New Media at Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota FL and has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Arts. In his spare time he breeds weimaraners, studies the history of airships and researches the humor of humor. He maintains contacts with skydiving and skateboarding buddies of yesteryear and today conceptualizes on ways to save the planet.

pchiocch@ringling.edu

Victor Ramey, M.S. (1948-2005)

Mr. Ramey established the APIRS office in 1981. He authored this web site, and produced many educational materials during his 25 year tenure with this office. He passed away on November 24, 2005.

Read more about Vic.