Contact us
Email us at learningbyleading@american.edu
Find us on campus in MGC 302, the Hub
Check us out on Facebook: AU Learning by Leading
See what we’ve been up to recently @lxl_au
Photo courtesy of Jesse Cross
Jesse is AU’s recycling manager and has been on staff since September 2021. In this role, he manages all recycling operations on campus and assists with waste sorting education initiatives. Before joining AU as a full-time staff, Jesse was an undergraduate environmental science major and an intern with both the Grounds Team and Zero Waste Office. He supports AU’s Learning by Leading™ program by creating opportunities for collaboration between AU LxL projects and other campus departments.
Photo courtesy of Mike Mastrota
Mike Mastrota is a licensed landscape architect and has been on staff at American University for 25 years. He is a founding member of AU’s Arboretum and Gardens and has been part of the team that transformed the exterior of our campus. Prior to joining AU, Mastrota worked for the National Park Service and in private practice. He supports the Learning by Leading™ projects at AU and helps keeps the program connected to the other LxL™ institutions.
Photo courtesy of Samantha Margot
Samantha Margot (’24) is an enthusiastic participant in The Community Garden and the Beekeeping Society. With an interest in the ocean and a passion for environmental justice, Margot looks forward to graduating with her degree in journalism and environmental science.
As the Outreach Coordinator for LxL, Margot is working to strengthen the LxL’s foundations, fostering community communication and revamping our image.
Any inquiries can be directed to learningbyleading@american.edu
Contact our Faculty Mentors
Photo courtesy of Linkedln
Professorial Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science, Kajtu has research background in wildlife science, tropical ecology, conservation biology, and political ecology.
He has conducted research in India, Peru, the United States, and Papua New Guinea surrounding the intersection of socio-cultural identities, livelihoods, and environmental policy.
His latest work was published with Cambridge University, The Political Ecology of Place Meaning: Identity, Political Self-Determination, and Illicit Resource Use in the Manas Tiger Reserve.
He can be reached by email: katju@american.edu
Photo courtesy of Kristine Beran
Professorial Lecturer in the Department of Environmental Science.
Kristine’s research background encompasses natural resource management, food security, technology transfer, and gender studies.
She has worked across global food chains as a private sector professional and consultant, interacting with industry, commercial markets, scientists, policy makers, development practitioners, international donors and investors to lead multilateral collaborations.
She has conducted research in Africa and The Americas with support from the Rockefeller Foundation and the United States Agency for International Development.
She can be reached by email: beran@american.edu
Contact the Clubs
Located behind Bender Arena and next to the tennis courts, they can be contacted at americanucommunitygarden@gmail.com or on Instagram @i_begyourgarden
Located in MGC 330, they can be contacted at aubeekeepers@gmail.com or on Instagram @aubeekeepingsociety
Located in MGC 327, they can be contacted at austudentzerowasteclub@gmail.com or on Instagram @wonktradeau
Located in Don Meyers 110, they can be contacted at eswamericanu@gmail.com or via Instagram @esw_au
Other Service coordinators
Photo courtesy of American University
Joining in 2004, as director Campos oversees all office programs and serves as the liaison to the Office of Campus Life, Academic Affairs, and to other campuses involved in community engagement initiatives.
She also spent several years teaching in the American Studies and Government Departments entitled The Latinx Community of the DC Metropolitan Area, and working with the National Council of La Raza (now called UnidosUS) and the NeighborWorks Network.
Campos is dedicated to global community service having worked in Central and South America on participatory evaluation projects, the development of women’s leadership, and strengthening community-based organizations.
Photo courtesy of Cynthia Brown
Cindy Brown is the Manager of Horticulture Collections Management and Education at Smithsonian Gardens, a position she has held since 2010. Cindy leads a talented team overseeing Smithsonian Gardens’ archives, object and living collections, education, and web/social media.
Cindy has worked in the field of horticulture since 1993, beginning her career in a nursery and serendipitously discovering the world of public gardens. Currently, her most exciting project is the development of the Community of Gardens initiative, a website and mobile app for sharing share stories about gardens and green spaces and cultivating a deeper understanding, and appreciation of, the role gardens play in keeping communities healthy, happy, and connected.
Cindy holds a BS in Gerontology from Lycoming College and an AAS in Horticulture from Northern Virginia Community College.