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 also firmly believe that community science and relying on the experiences of people who live in close harmony with various ecosystems is invaluable. I aim to make science, love of the ocean, and enjoyment of water accessible to everyone.
Bull Kelp Research Squad (BKRS)
I am currently the coordinator of the Bull Kelp Research Squad (BKRS), a working group of bull kelp farmers and researchers in Alaska formed in October 2023. BKRS was formed to address the successes and challenges of farming bull kelp and collaborate to develop a proof of concept that bull kelp can be farmed. Since we’ve begun, we have shared innovations in farm and experimental design, discussed the successes and challenges of growing bull kelp, compiled a list of prioritized questions for future research, written an SOP for monitoring across different experimental and farm designs, and submitted proposals for further collaborative research. By collaborating and sharing designs for innovative array designs and seeding methods, BKRS is establishing the basis of an industry that could be unique to Alaska.
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 club and high school teams in Kodiak, the East Bay, and 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.