Taran is a graduate of the Plant Biology and Conservation Program at Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden. She previously researched the diversity of plants in the Colorado Plateau, as well as the germination of seeds in the Midwest prairie. Taran is dedicated to removing barriers to science education and participation, recognizing the importance of justice, accessibility, and communication.

Jennifer is vice president of Education and Community Programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden. As such, she supervises youth and adult education, horticultural therapy, and the Windy City Harvest urban agriculture programs. Jennifer brings expertise in both formal and informal science education. Her specialities include diversity studies, program design, and evaluation. Before joining the Garden, she completed her graduate studies in learning sciences at Northwestern University.

Kayri is the Medard and Elizabeth Welch Senior Director of Ecology and Conservation at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Her research interests include the effects of climate change on plant species, restoration genetics, pollination networks, ex situ conservation, and invasion biology. She is on the adjunct faculty of Loyola University, Northwestern University, and the University of Illinois-Chicago. She chairs the Non-federal Cooperators Committee of the Plant Conservation Alliance and collaborates with a variety of academic institutions, agencies, and stewardship organizations to help improve conservation efforts for plants and plant communities.

Owen Zaengle works as the Principal Web Applications Developer at the Chicago Botanic Garden. He supports the team in managing and developing Budburst technologies. Owen enjoys working at the intersections of conservation research, technology, and the environment. He holds a B.S in Environmental Science from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and M.S in Lake Management from the State University of New York College at Oneonta and is currently working towards a Ph.D. in Environmental Science through the Graduate Program in Environmental Science at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. In his work, Owen aims to develop processes and technologies that support equity, justice, and humility towards ecological flourishing.