Jake grew up in a log cabin in the forests of Vermont. After graduating from Castleton University with a bachelor's degree in history, he spent 9 years in manufacturing as a forklift driver. During that time, he went back to school to earn a degree in environmental science from the Community College of Vermont in order to pursue his true passions: nature, science and education.

After completing his degree, Jake headed to the American West. One of his mentors introduced him to the graduate program at Teton Science School in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and it was during this year-long immersive experience that he honed his skills as a scientist, educator and tracker in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. After completing this program, he finished his master’s degree at Utah State University, focusing on wildlife communication and social science in support of efforts to conserve the critically endangered California condor in southern Utah. 

Jake currently calls the mountains of northern Utah home. He is an avid outdoorsman and musician who spends his free time hiking, fishing, reading and playing old country tunes on whatever beat-up instrument he can get his hands on.