Christopher Sonne selected as faculty for 2011 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment

FAIRFAX, VA (06/10/2011)(readMedia)-- Christopher Sonne has been selected as a Faculty Advisor for the 2011 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment at George Mason University.

As a Faculty Advisor, Sonne will help guide a group of talented high school students through an intensive study of leadership in environmental science and conservation. George Mason University along with partners, the National Geographic Society and the National Zoo will host the nation's leading youth scholars from June 26-July 1, 2011. With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment offers scholars and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The week long program, held at George Mason University's state-of-the-art campus, will encourage and inspire young leaders from across the country who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic and important field.

Sonne graduated as a Civil Engineer from Virginia Tech, and has over 25 years of engineering experience as a civil engineering consultant and environmental engineer. In 2007 he started Civil & Environmental Services to provide design and consulting services with an emphasis on sustainable and low-impact site design.

He is a licensed Professional Engineer and a LEED Accredited Professional. He is also the current board chairman for the James River Green Building Council.

Sonne lives in the suburbs of Nellysford in beautiful Nelson County, Virginia where he also teaches adaptive snowboarding, raises chickens and enjoys gardening and blacksmithing.

About George Mason University

Named the #1 national university to watch in the 2009 rankings of U.S. News & World Report, George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with global distinction in a range of academic fields. Located in Northern Virginia near Washington, D.C., Mason provides students access to diverse cultural experiences and the most sought-after internships and employers in the country. Mason offers strong undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering and information technology, organizational psychology, health care and visual and performing arts. With Mason professors conducting groundbreaking research in areas such as climate change, public policy and the biosciences, George Mason University is a leading example of the modern, public university. George Mason University -- Where Innovation Is Tradition.

About the 2011 Washington Youth Summit on the Environment

The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment (WYSE) is a unique student leadership conference designed to develop and encourage future leaders in the important field of environmental studies and conservation in the 21st century. The Advisory Board, is chaired by Mark Bauman, Executive Vice President of National Geographic Television and co-chaired by Joe Sacco, Educational Director for the National Zoo. Additional members include world renowned scholars, distinguished scientists and award winning university faculty, such as Dr. Tom Lovejoy, noted environmentalist and Founder of the PBS program Nature. Delegates gain an insider look at environmental science, policy and conservation issues. Distinguished speakers will include Dr. Marcia McNutt, Director, US Geological Survey; Ms. Ignacia Moreno, Assistant Attorney General for Environment and Natural Resources at the Department of Justice; and Captain John Caplis, Chief of the Office of Incident Management and Preparedness for the US Coast Guard. For more information visit us online at wyse.gmu.edu.

The Washington Youth Summit on the Environment | 4400 University Drive | MSN 3A4 | Fairfax, VA 22030