JR Washebek
Senior Advisor for AI, Environment, and Society
JR works on emergent problems at the nexus of AI, environment, and society, focusing on projects designed to navigate the conflict between immediate needs and long-term ecological health. Her current portfolio includes research on environmental ethics and AI alignment, cultivating modern skills for ecological management workforces, evolving environmental literacy at all levels to include deep understanding of AI, digital twins, sensor networks, distributed technologies like blockchain, and robotics, and understanding the changing nature of federalism. These interconnected focus areas reflect her belief that environmental challenges require technological innovation, workforce adaptation, and governance evolution working in concert.
JR is an effective facilitator with digital savvy, bringing together diverse interdisciplinary teams of humans and machines to achieve breakthrough results. She translates complex systems insights into actionable approaches, leveraging her background in how people think, learn, and interact with technology to design systems that actually work in real-world institutional contexts.
JR joined EPIC in May 2025 after eight years with the U.S. Forest Service, where she built the organization's first comprehensive AI program as AI Program Manager. Her track record of leading sensitive teams through organizational change includes serving as Staff Advisor in the Office of the Chief during the presidential transition. Her diverse Forest Service roles - from wilderness ranger to conservation education manager to organizational transformation consultant - demonstrate her ability to bridge field experience with strategic technology leadership.
JR has also designed curricula across all grade levels, specializing in helping high-ability children develop real-world competencies through innovative STEAM approaches like Dungeons & Dragons programs that build collaborative problem-solving skills and hands-on projects like designing botanical presses that integrate science, engineering, and creativity.
Get to Know Me Further
When I'm not working at the intersection of AI ethics and environmental governance, you'll find me exploring Montana's trails with my four-year-old son, who's learning computational logic alongside identifying wildflowers. I volunteer teaching digital literacy to local middle schoolers and find balance through trail running, skiing, whitewater rafting, hunting, and dance. Former wilderness ranger turned systems thinker, I'm fascinated by building technological systems that enhance our relationship with nature and democratic governance.
Always up for conversations about environmental ethics, AI alignment, or environmental stewardship - especially around a campfire with good coffee.