Science needs education, and education needs science.
I believe that science and knowledge about the world around us needs to be shared with everyone, beyond just publishing articles in a scientific journal. I aim to make science, love of the ocean, and enjoyment of water accessible to everyone.
Current Science and Education Outreach
Kelp Forest Ecology for Divers
As someone involved with SCUBA diving both recreationally and professionally, I’ve spent a lot of time purusing scuba classes offered by PADI, SSI, and other dive organizations. Last year, I came to a stunning realization - while there are numerous ecology-focused courses for divers about sharks and coral reefs, there are no resources for recreational divers to learn about kelp forests! When divers get certified in California, often their certification dives will take place on the Pacific coast close to some of the most diverse kelp forests in the world. But how much do local divers know about these kelps? This question inspired me to develop seminars about kelp forest ecology and marine invasive species to educate recreational divers about their local ecosystems. I am incredibly grateful that I was recently chosen as a 2020-2021 Bilinski Fellow, which will aid my completion of this this project. Read more about the Bilinski Fellowship and the 9 other recipients here! If you have a group of divers that wants to learn more about kelp forest ecology, reach out to set up a time to talk!
Skype a Scientist
I often volunteer with the amazing Skype a Scientist organization, which connects scientists with classrooms all around the world. I chat with grade school classrooms about marine ecology, SCUBA diving for my job, and why I like seaweeds so much. If you have a classroom, an organization, or even just a group of friends looking to chat with a scientist, check out Skype a Scientist here!
Aquatic Education
While I am primarily an ecologist and scientist, I also care a lot about aquatic safety and fitness, and over the last few years, I have a been a swim coach, lifeguard, and swim instructor for both the Piedmont Swim Team and Dolphin Scuba in Sacramento. I firmly believe that increasing comfort and access to the water, even just starting with a pool, is an important first step in getting people to care more about our oceans and lakes and increasing the presence of underrepresented groups in ocean and aquatic sciences.