Team Bio

The Trippe Lab and IBI are partnering to create a Global Biochar Atlas to support biochar applications in agriculture. The Trippe Lab regularly analyzes agriculturally relevant biochar properties, and has created the PNW and US Biochar Atlases to guide agricultural applications of biochar that will provide the greatest soil/crop health, and climate benefits. IBI collaborates with a broad spectrum of organizations to internationally advance biochar use and disseminate information on biochar.

Valeria Araico

Valeria brings over a decade of diverse experience in NGO management, administrative coordination, and project management. With a strong background encompassing organizations such as Amnesty International, Population Council, Conservation International, and The Next 150, Valeria has effectively managed administrative, operations and HR functions at country-level offices. Her expertise extends to project management, where she ensures project execution through meticulous monitoring.

With a background in international relations and continuous professional development, Valeria brings a wealth of expertise and a relentless drive for innovation. She has spearheaded strategic initiatives and ensured smooth office operations across various organizations, reflecting her passion for driving positive change and fostering collaborative work environments.

Wendy Lu Maxwell-Barton

Currently serving as the International Biochar Initiative Executive Director, Wendy Lu’s professional background and personal passion are centered on advancing climate change solutions. She has focused for the decade on regenerative, climate smart agriculture and clean energy. Previously, Wendy Lu led the North American Coalition for Insect Agriculture as it transitioned from a volunteer-led organization into a professional industry association with over 250 members based in 12 countries.
A returned US Peace Corps Volunteer (Ukraine), Wendy Lu also spent more than a decade in international development, working with UN agencies, including WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, and IOM, as well as international development organizations such as Habitat for Humanity International.
Wendy Lu has a Masters degree in international and intercultural communications.

Rachel Baschieri

Research Fellow at the USDA-ARS in Corvallis, OR. She has managed the US Biochar Atlas project for nearly two years by working with a biochar research team to analyze biochar properties, assemble a database, and code a decision support tool that matches biochar properties to soil health and crop requirements. Rachel is passionate about greenhouse gas reduction technologies and looks forward to collaborating with international teams to advance biochar research and adoption.

Kristin Trippe

Kristin Trippe is a Research Microbiologist with the USDA Agricultural Research Service and a Courtesy Faculty member at Oregon State University. She specializes in applied soil microbiology, soil restoration, and biochar, focusing on microbial processes that enhance agricultural productivity, reduce costs, improve ecosystem services, and present climate solutions. With a Ph.D. in Botany and Environmental Engineering, Dr. Trippe's work integrates biochar applications, soil health, and sustainable land management practices. She is a key contributor to the development of decision support tools for biochar use and has received multiple awards for her research, leadership, and outreach efforts. She is a Board Member of the US BIochar Initiative, the Dry Farming Institute, and is active in the Soil Science Society of America. Outside of science, you can find her playing in soil, finding mushrooms, and listening and making music with her family.