Welcome New dHL Expert Naomi Flis – Aspiring Environmental Scientist

Submitted by Naomi Flis, January 13, 2025

Naomi Flis has a background in early childhood education, and she is currently pursuing bachelor’s degrees in environmental sciences in Montreal, Canada. Her friend and colleague, Emanuelle Gelber, is also pursuing a degree in environmental sciences with a focus on conservation outreach. Together, they authored the book, I am River. I am River is a book that focuses on the ecology of the Saint Lawrence River, which travels through Ontario and Quebec in Canada and New York in the United States. They are also collaborating on an educational program that aims to build a sense of environmental stewardship in youth living in the communities surrounding the River.

Their program allows children to engage with the river holistically. Students can gain an understanding of how The Saint Lawrence River formed, its different eco-zones, and the various plants and animals that call it home. Students will have the opportunity to engage in scientific experiments, like observing a « glacier » melt and freshwater vs. saltwater reactions. Throughout the book, the river explains how it can be helped or harmed by human activity, and calls upon children to treat it kindly and with respect – allowing them to think critically about the shared bond between humans and the environment. Additionally, children are encouraged to observe and identify differences between a loon and an eagle, as well as a humpback and beluga whale – why might their sounds be different? What might they eat and how? I am River is designed to ignite young learners’ interest in marine science, conservation, and geography.