Beckett Lansbury

Beckett joined WDS in 2020. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Bard College (‘16), and went on to complete his Master’s degree in 2019 at Bard’s Master in the Art of Teaching Program, concentrating in Biology and Science Education. He is a New York State certified 7-12 Science teacher.  

Prior to pursuing a career in teaching science, Beckett worked with various environmental research organizations around the Hudson Valley, including The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, the DEC, and Riverkeeper. His work included coordinating the collection of water samples along multiple Hudson River estuaries, investigating the different modes and methods invasive species have been introduced to New York State, mapping points of contamination in a state water reservoir in Orange County NY, analyzing local water samples for various bacterial and algal communities, and as a field technician working on a multi-year study of Lymes Disease in Dutchess County, NY. 

Before teaching full time, Beckett had previous experience working with a variety of student populations. His experience includes working with incarcerated students earning their Associates and Bachelor degrees at the Bard Prison Initiative in various NYS prisons, as a writing and regent exam tutor at Bard Early High School Hudson, as a biology teaching assistant for Bard College undergraduate students during his grad program, and during his student teaching placements in the local Hyde Park and Hudson school districts. 

In addition to being a Natural Science educator, Beckett considers himself an equity educator. He has previous professional work experience as an educator at Bard College’s Office for Gender Equity, and as the Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator at Family Service Inc.’s Office of Victim Services where he coordinated sexual violence presention programs for schools and nightlife establishments across three NYS counties. Beckett is also hired as a consultant to conduct training and educate professionals on LGBTQ+ competency and violence prevention in work and school environments. 

Outside of work, Beckett lives near Rhinebeck with his two cats, Butter and Teejay. He works closely with multiple LGBTQ+-centered organizations across the Valley and loves any and every opportunity to be outside and get lost in the woods. He also enjoys cooking, gardening, gaming (video and table top), being with his community, and all things creepy and crawly.