Krista Espelien is the owner and lead naturalist for Environs. She has professional experience in both fresh and saltwater systems, including conservation, coral-reef restoration, and invasive plant and animal surveys. She is also on the MN DNR's Surveyors of Aquatic Plants list. Krista has abundant experience diving in a variety of environments and has been a professional scuba diver and instructor for over 17 years with well over 5,000 hours spent underwater. Her work also extends into research, including co-authoring a 2026 peer-reviewed study in Management of Biological Invasions focused on zebra mussel control. She is a strong advocate and educator of the environment, marine ecosystem, and Minnesota's waterbodies. 

 

Education:

Hamline University, St. Paul, MN: Master's of Natural Sciences & Environmental Education

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Relevant Scuba Certifications:

• PADI IDC Staff Instructor

• Technical Diver

• Self-Reliant Diver

• Rescue Diver Instructor

• Search & Recovery Diver Instructor

• Emergency First Responder Instructor

• Emergency O2 Provider Instructor

• Project Aware Conservation Instructor

• Underwater Naturalist Instructor