2024 - Under the ISEA, Discovering the Depth of Informal Education - Texas State Aquarium - Corpus Christi, TX
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Keisha Bahr
Dr. Keisha Bahr is a coral reef ecologist and an Assistant Professor of Marine Biology at Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi. With a profound passion for the oceans and a deep concern for the deteriorating state of coral reefs, Dr. Bahr has dedicated her career to studying these fragile ecosystems and advocating for their conservation. However, she realized that traditional methods of science communication, such as academic publications, were insufficient to inspire meaningful change. This realization prompted her to embark on a mission to revolutionize science communication and informal education, recognizing their pivotal role in preserving and managing coral reef ecosystems.
Keynote Speaker: Jace Tunnell
Jace Tunnell serves as the HRI Director of Community Engagement at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. He is the creator of Nurdle Patrol, a citizen science initiative dedicated to monitoring global plastic pellet concentrations. Through this project, Jace aims to raise awareness about the pervasive issue of oceanic plastic pollution and advocate for policy changes based on concrete data.
Engaging K-12 Homeschool Students in Informal STEM
John Espinoza, Science Mill
TEKS Made Easy
Rebecca Millet, STARBASE Austin
Teaching Science Concepts with Creative Gameplay
August Vandiver & Katie Boughal, Delores Fenwick Nature Center
Authority of the Resource: An Alternative to Rules
Danielle Gay, Texas State University
Proving Your Program Works (while staying sane)
Adam Niederpruem, Happy Camper Productions
Panel: The Magic of Collaboration
Kelly Drinnen, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary; Marisa Oliva, Texas Children in Nature Network; Sarah Coles, Texas Children in Nature Network; Sara Jose, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Probing the Depths of a Strange New Planet
Judy Meyer, McDonald Observatory
Let‘s Talk WILD: Culture & Investigation
Stephanie Hurst & Nicki Sohn, Cleveland Middle School
Empowering Education with Articifical Intelligence
Cosette De Ferrari, Texas State Aquarium
Developing a Scientific Identity through Research Rangers
Carolyn Jess, Hannah Baratang, Brady Pringle, Jill Zipperer, Raylee Schobel, & Dr. Kristy L. Daniel, Texas State University
PBS SciGirls STEM in National Parks & Beyond
Tricia Berry, Texas Girls Collaborative Project
Birds of a Feather Flocking Together for Action
Katie Doyle, Dr. Dara Orbach, & Dr. Larisa Ford, Flour Bluff ISD
Managing & Motivating Part-Time Staff
Morgan Stinnett, Girlstart