MBC sponsor Eric Herman owner of AtoZec, wildlife biology consulting firm, in the field east of Tucson performing a native plant inventory.

Eric Herman is a Wildlife Biologist who works around the Southwestern United States. We spent some time with him to find out more about his work, how creativity helps him, what traits he associates with creativity and why he supports Mat Bevel Company. Read on to find out his answers.

How would you describe your work?

With my work, we have a plant or animal species that we’re looking for in the field. Before going into the field, I learn as much as I can about the science of the species, what’s its behavior, where and how do we find it.

The bulk of my work involves hiking through a variety of habitat looking for that species. That entails using your senses. Often it’s sight and sound.

You have to be patient, because literally I’m hiking all day and looking or staying in one spot waiting to see the species. Once we find the target species, we collect data. It’s a search and investigation mission that we’re on.

What role does creativity play in your work?

Things change in the field. Where you may have easily found a species before, may not be where you find that species now. That species may have moved away or still be present in limited numbers, making it hard to find. Issues arise and you have to be ready to respond to logistics, injuries, the species changing its behavior because of our presence.

The plants and animals do not read the books that we’ve written about them. They may do different things and be in different places than what we expect. The cliché “think outside the box” to me means creating alternatives to your standard search pattern. You have to be very creative to put yourself in the mind of an animal. How do they move? What are they looking for?

I ask myself, “What do I need as this bird or tortoise? What is my day like?” When you figure this out, it will help you find what you need rather than relying on a text book. I use my mind and my instinct to solve problems in the field.

Answering the why of a particular situation takes creativity. As a part of creativity, I use intuition all the time. I trust my feelings and my gut. Instinct is an immediate reaction. If those patch of trees look promising, pursue it. Trust it. That’s how I got good at looking for Yellow Billed Cuckoos. We found them in areas that weren’t in the textbooks.

In the end, creativity is not so much about the plants or the animals, but using the six senses! It helps me learn about myself. There’s a link between self-awareness and awareness of an environment in general. That’s where the sixth sense is so important. Intuition taps you into the energy of the habitat.

Eric Herman making found-object art from nature’s treasures.

What traits do you associate with creativity?

Let’s say you planned, but everything went south. A crew member is sick. The animals are acting differently. The habitat is different. The weather changed. You have to get creative.

Adaptability is a trait directly linked to creativity. How do you use original thinking to change your approach due changing situations? How do you adapt your survey to that? It might mean preparing how you get in and out of the canyon, or exiting before the weather turns bad. Adaptability all comes back to out-of-the-box thinking which opens you up to a wider range of options.

Another trait connected to creativity is trust which largely overlaps with instinct. This is a behavioral thing. It requires maintaining an optimistic thought. You have to be realistic too, knowing that trust doesn’t mean everything will turn out, but you keep the door open for things to work out.

Identify a positive and practical way that having creative capacity has improved your life and your work.

Creativity has given me more options and experiences. It allows my passion to grow and expand. For science based work, it helps me solve challenges, opening up more solutions, more answers.

Going back to the Yellow-Billed Cuckoo work, the creative thoughts have helped me find similar attributes of the species but in areas that have different vegetation. In this case, I identify more factors that might attract an animal to an area, such as prey…what they are going to eat here? Is there a food source in different places than previously defined?

Do you work your mind out to practice creativity?

Yes, I mentally shut the thoughts of my mind down and listen to what my six senses are telling me, with instinct as the sixth sense.

I also work on found-art object sculptures to create art. Throwing things together in ways that aren’t uniform increases my creativity. Running my mind and hands through the process of creation is very useful.

What science concept do you use often in your work?

Patterns. We use the term search pattern which means I am almost thinking of anything I’ve learned. It’s heavy on instinct. Gazing across a scene, I let a sixth sense suck up what data is coming in. Often sight and sound patterns allow the mind to receive data and calculate in my head, “Is this the right area?” The patterns are coming in so fast but you’re picking up shapes, or colors that help cue you into to finding the species and its habitat.

Getting to the touch part…how will you move yourself through the given area. Is the best way to walk a straight line or shift your movement. If I walk a straight line I may miss the snake behind the rock.

The un-creative mind will stay on the straight line. The creative mind will follow the patterns which may mean deviating and curving my way through the environment. With this approach, I’ve seen many more species than I would have otherwise.

Why did you donate again to Mat Bevel Company this year?

I donated to Mat Bevel Company this year again because I know the people involved and I know their hearts are into the mission. I’m donating to the passion. When making a decision to donate, I ask myself, “How are they using the money?” With Beveldom, besides the actual construct…the art and science that are being taught through The Daily Doodle, The Time-Space machine, I’ve met Bevel and Kid Bevel, I know the passion! Passion is how I live.”

THANK YOU, ERIC!

MBC sponsor SSVEC has sponsored The Youth Engineering and Science (YES) Fair for over 20 years. Pictured above are YES Fair winners from 2020.

One student explored the possibility of life on other planets.
Another studied the effectiveness of wearing a mask to stop the spread of a virus.
Others researched plant nutrition, the states of matter, solar panels, and bacteria.

Motivated by a pure desire to learn, students participating in the 38th annual Youth, Engineering, and Science (YES) Fair not only satisfy their desire to understand a topic of interest, they compete for more than $20,000 in cash awards and the opportunity for an all-expenses paid trip to an international science fair.

The YES Fair happens every February and is sponsored by the Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) Foundation. It is one of three youth programs aimed at encouraging and empowering students to excel and succeed in today’s world. Marcus Harston, Community Relations and Youth Program Coordinator for SSVEC, manages all three programs, including the YES Fair, the Washington Youth Tour and a scholarship program that annually awards more than $100,000 to further the education of area students.

“The YES Fair encourages students from Grades 5 through 12 to cultivate their interest in science and engineering, which helps each participant succeed and help build a better America,” Harston said.

Former YES Fair winner pictured with his project display, “What’s The Fizz?”.

Harston said SSVEC will again sponsor the Mat Bevel Company for its educational program, The Universe Within, which encourages students to think, discover, invent, and research, various science-related topics.

“We support programs like The Universe Within because it provides activities and opportunities for our rural youth and families to open up new directions for their education, career and life,” Harston said.

Both The Universe Within and the YES Fair help students learn about area, circumference, volume, matter, energy and natural forces. Students participating in the YES Fair have an opportunity to display their research and present answers to specific science questions of interest. Past projects for students in 5th through 8th grades have featured hands-on experiments and interesting conclusions in five distinct areas of study, including Energy and Engineering, Technology, Physical Science, Earth and Space Science and Biological Science.

Projects presented by high school students are defined by the 21 categories set forth by the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. In addition to cash prizes, the top high school winners in the SSVEC Foundation YES Fair are awarded an all-expenses paid trip to present their projects at the Intel fair, scheduled for May 8th through May 13th in Atlanta, Georgia.

Hundreds of students in Southeastern Arizona look forward to creating science projects for the annual YES Fair. Many of those who have participated have gone on to have successful careers in science, technology and engineering as doctors, teachers, soldiers, and farmers.

A teacher and her student, a 2019 YES Fair winner, pictured with Mr. Marcus Harston, Community Relations & Youth Program Coordinator for SSVEC.

High School projects will be set up at the Windemere Hotel and Conference Center on Tuesday, February 22, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The actual awards ceremony will be held at Windemere Hotel and Conference Center on Thursday, February 24, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Virtual judging for 5th through 8th grades is February 15th through February 22nd, and awards will be announced February 23rd, winners are invited to the awards ceremony.

Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC), which oversees the SSVEC Foundation, is a not-for-profit, member-owned distribution cooperative providing electricity to more than 60,000 services over some 4,100 miles of energized line. The cooperative’s service territory covers parts of Cochise, Graham, Pima and Santa Cruz counties in Southern Arizona. SSVEC is dedicated to community growth, quality of life and a positive vision for the future.

Mat Bevel Company sponsor South32 is a global mining and metals company that owns the Hermosa Project, a world-class zinc and lead mine near the small town of Patagonia, Arizona. Pictured above are Hermosa Site Services Manager Chris Gray and Communications Director Jenny Fiore-Magaña.

South32 is a multinational mining and metals company that owns the Hermosa Project, a zinc-lead-silver-manganese development option in Arizona, near the small town of Patagonia, Arizona, in Santa Cruz County. The Hermosa Project is South32’s first project in North America and contains what is shaping up to be one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world.

The development of STEM skills among young learners is a big priority for South32. Guided by the belief that quality education is the foundation of economic and social prosperity, South32 supports STEM programs in the communities and regions where it operates. That’s why South32 has provided grants and sponsorships to Mat Bevel Company over the last four years to develop and distribute The Universe Within STEM world-building curriculum.

South32’s Will Shumway, Senior Exploration Geologist presenting to Chemistry students at Mica Mountain High School.

“The Hermosa Project is poised to be a substantial job-creator and contribute significantly to the state’s economy,” said Pat Risner, Hermosa Project President. “Building STEM skills among local students will be absolutely essential for us to employ regional talent for our project in Southern Arizona.”

That’s why Hermosa Project employees get involved with teaching students about the science and technology of mining in Southern Arizona. Recently, Will Shumway, Senior Exploration Geologist, and Matt Novak, Processing Study Lead were guest presenters during Chemistry Class at Mica Mountain High School. They shared with 125 students what a geologist does in a typical day, and the technology used for mineral extraction methods.

South32 pursues innovative mining technologies to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of mining activities. As one example, South32 is using virtual design construction (VDC) to design and construct complex infrastructure at Hermosa. The technology uses an array of cutting-edge tools for virtually conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing facilities. Much like an interactive blueprint but with a lot more functionality, VDC creates a virtual twin, a 3D model of the structure prior to construction or fabrication. This technology allows South32 to anticipate and proactively resolve problems related to construction staging, traffic management and relocation of utilities.

“We are excited that students are learning about physics and the laws of motion this year through The Art of Kinetics, Module 2 of The Universe Within, said Melanie Lawson, Hermosa Project Communities. “It’s so important to foster innovation, creative problem-solving, technology skills and mechanical-spatial aptitude at a young age, especially when so many kids are exposed to mostly two dimensional digital mobile devices. In contrast, The Universe Within connects kids to the physical world, mechanics, motion as they use materials and tools to construct three- and four-dimensional objects from their worlds.”

Efforts in the U.S. to improve STEM education have largely been driven by demand from the private sector, where employers such as South32 are keenly aware of the lack of qualified candidates for science- and technology-focused jobs. By supporting programs like The Universe Within, companies are also addressing the drastic shortage of females and minorities who are taking advantage of the many opportunities in STEM-related careers.

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Gathering Grounds is a popular cafe in Patagonia, Arizona that provides quality food and service to the community and visitors to the region. Their menu features organic, locally roasted espresso and coffee, and a large variety of homemade sandwiches, soups, fresh baked goods as well as vegan and gluten-free options.

Audrey Doles, owner and operator of Gathering Grounds, supported Mat Bevel Company during its 2021 fundraiser because education is important to her. She said, “When I see this many children excited about science and math, I have no other choice but to offer my support!” Audrey is a Governing Board Member of the Patagonia Elementary School District. 

Owner of Gathering Grounds Audrey Doles with two of her three children on campus at Patagonia Elementary School.

When Audrey was 14, she worked for the then-owner of Gathering Grounds, Jenna Haugaard. She used to tell Jenna that when she grew up, she was going to buy Gathering Grounds, because she loved the cafe so much! Her dream came true in 2011, when Audrey and her husband, Brandon, purchased Gathering Grounds. 

Audrey’s family has deep roots in the Patagonia area. Her dad’s family was one of the first home setters in Elgin, a small community near Patagonia. Her grandpa and both of her parents attended Patagonia Schools. And so did Audrey and her siblings. Today, two of her children attend Patagonia Elementary School. 

Audrey loves art and creativity, so she volunteers in the Art Room at the school. One day when she was walking the kids from the Art Room to The Creative STEM Club, she learned how much they loved the creative activities in The Universe Within. 

More fresh cookies coming out from the kitchen at Gathering Grounds!

The common thread between Gathering Grounds and Mat Bevel Company is a commitment to serving the community for the better. She supports organizations that she believes in, and even more so when they are a local entity. She feels that one of the biggest things we are missing in this world right now is kindness, understanding, and compassion.  

Gathering Grounds, located at 319 McKeown Avenue, Patagonia, AZ, is open 7:30 to 2:30 seven days a week, offering a full service breakfast and lunch menu. 

MBC sponsor Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative’s Washington Youth Tour provides an opportunity for high school juniors to take an all-expense-paid week-long trip to see our nation’s capital.

Voted a 5-Star Electric Co-Op for 2019-2020, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) is a not- for-profit, member-owned distribution cooperative providing electricity to more than 60,000 services over some 4,100 miles of energized line. The cooperative’s service territory covers parts of Cochise, Graham, Pima and Santa Cruz counties in Southern Arizona. As with any cooperative member-driven entity, SSVEC is dedicated to community growth, quality of life and a positive vision for the future.

Marcus Harston, Community Relations & Youth Program Coordinator for SSVEC, manages three youth programs for the Cooperative: YES Fair, Washington Youth Tour and a Scholarship Program. He also oversees the Surge Protection Program, as well as coordinating events and product sales.

SSVEC supported Mat Bevel Company this year as a sponsor because of programs that empower youth to excel academically, emotionally and professionally. Delivering programs to local communities is a priority for both organizations. “Teachers or students should not have to drive hours to participate in programs, courses and training,” Marcus said. “This limits the number of students and teachers in rural areas who can attend.”

SSVEC’s YES fair is one of three regional science fairs that’s affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Fair. The Washington Youth Tour provides an opportunity for high school juniors to take an all-expense-paid week-long trip to see our nation’s capital and visit with our representatives and senators in Washington D.C. The Scholarship Program provides thirty $3,000 scholarships to students in SSVEC’s service area.

“These programs provide activities and opportunities for our rural members and families members,” Marcus said. “Much of what we do now is the result of either a national program or a need that our members worked with SSVEC to establish.”

In the future, SSVEC would like to provide a science camp during the summer for YES Fair teachers and students with a focus on STEM. Programs like “The Universe Within” world-building curriculum are in line with future goals of the YES Fairs student development ideas.

2019 SSVEC YES Fair Grand Prize Winner Megan Fox pictured with Advisor Beverly Adams.

“Our students at the YES Fair have presented many outstanding projects such as an electric jet engine, a portable solar water purifier and cyber security software,” said Marcus. “Many project ideas were based on needs in their communities or situations they found interesting. The teachers encourage students to do much of their own research online or interview people in the community.”

Marcus believes that what we put into our communities—the education of our students, and their activities—funds our future. He’s always pleasantly surprised when he meets someone who participated in one of SSVEC’s youth programs whose kids are also participating in these programs today.  “We have a teacher at Buena High School who won the grand prize at the YES Fair when she was in high school. Now she’s teaching at Buena and her student won grand prize last year,” he said.

Marcus encourages young people to follow their passion. “Who you are isn’t decided by where you live or what you see! Your dreams tell you a direction to follow, your research and education show you the path to follow, and passion will drive you there.”​

MBC sponsor Eric Herman collecting data on the Desert Tortoise in the Sonoran Desert near Lake Pleasant, AZ.

Eric Herman formally launched his biology career in 2004 when he became an environmental planner/biologist for an engineering and environmental company in Phoenix, AZ. But his passion for biology and nature began at a very early age when his family, who lived in a suburb of Chicago, would take backpacking trips out West.

Even in the big city, Eric had an affinity towards nature. He says, “I was always drawn to nature. Outside of Chicago there were ravines running into Lake Michigan. They were like big canyons. I was attracted to the mystery of nature. I would run around and explore rocks, water, birds, trees and plants. I’d see man-made and nature-made objects. In a word, I saw adventure! This set my pattern in life.”

Eric lives between Sonoita and Patagonia, Arizona. He gives to several local nonprofits, donating both his time and financial resources, because he believes that helping, giving and sharing is what keeps the system growing.

It was partly Mat Bevel Company’s (MBC) work with children that prompted Eric to recently become a sponsor. “Children are our future,” he says. “Any changes we need to make as a community come through educating our children. Mat Bevel Company does this in a super creative way that’s different. These kids may not even realize what creative problem-solving skills they’re learning until they’re older, but those skills will be vital to their success and ours as a society.”

Eric received his Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from Ripon College in a small Wisconsin town. He received his Master’s degree in Environmental Planning from Arizona State University and became a resident of the state he fell in love with as a child during visits with his family to the Sonoran Desert.

“I love the Sonoran Desert. She’s a fierce but gentle lover if you pay her your proper respects,” he says. “With the desert, resources are scarce, but she’ll provide enough water, food and shelter if you take the time to learn from her.”

Eric launched his environmental business AtoZec in 2014 first and foremost to share his passion for wildlife. If you ask him what his company’s mission is, he’d say: “Passion. Period.”

He says, “I saw in niche in the market for passion-oriented accurate science. Often decisions are driven from the business end, but I lead my business with passion. I start with no assumptions. This helps me find and implement solutions without biases.”

In his line of work, Eric understands that solutions are always a compromise between the environmental and development. This can only be achieved through communication. He says, “I find ways to communicate so that we can work together. That’s how we solve our problems. You will never solve the worlds’ problems without reaching out and communicating.”

As a scientist, Eric’s sponsorship supports further development and implementation of The Universe Within world-building course. Eric sees the curriculum as the intersection of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) with super creative art which is really important to him. He says, “There is a massive artistic side of my brain that’s always trying to speak to me. I feel like an artist when I’m on the land.”

Eric’s Nature Board for the Greater Roadrunner using found-object art from Cochise Stronghold, AZ.

And like MBC founder Ned Schaper, Eric is also a found-object artist: “I enjoy crafting with repurposed wood. I love finding treasures in nature, sometimes in bizarre places. These relics have a story. I may not know the story, but my art provides a window to the past. I call these nature crafts, random projects that become functional walking sticks or decorative items.”

In retirement, Eric has a strong desire to create a wildlife rescue facility. He’s done a lot of raptor rescue volunteer work for Wild At Heart in Phoenix, rescuing and building habitat for raptors that were rescued with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.

Eric also enjoys a simple wonderful lifestyle. He says, “I like to kick back and enjoy the quiet. I like feeding the birds. I try to make sure that I’m living that simple life, keeping the noise low so that I can hear the quiet.”

As far as what advice he’d give young people, he says, “I would say, love your self, love your life and enjoy it. Kids are driven into career and the system too much and too early. If you find what you love, then your career will follow.”