Investing in Curiosity: Salish Sea Science is in the Hands of Young Scientists

Science truly comes alive when you can feel it, touch it, and measure it for yourself. That’s why I’ve been so inspired by the work of Salish Sea Sciences, a program that takes high school students out of the classroom and places them right in the heart of one of the most incredible marine ecosystems […]

From Campers to Innovators: Middle Schoolers at the NOAA camp!

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you get a group of middle schoolers excited about science. It’s a chaotic, brilliant energy that I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand last summer as a counselor at the NOAA Science Camp in Seattle, you know, the one right next to Magnuson Park. But this […]

Your Phone Can Save the Ocean: How You Can Be a Scientist from the Seashore

Ocean conservation can feel like a massive challenge, but what if I told you that you have a powerful research tool in your pocket? Welcome to the world of “citizen science,” a global movement where people like you collaborate with researchers to gather vital scientific data. And thanks to some amazing apps, it’s easier than […]

Tiny Shells, Big Questions: Teaching at Newport Heights!

On the 21st, we had the chance to participate in an elementary school science fair, where we set up a booth alongside other STEM clubs from Newport and neighboring schools. Our goal was simple: get younger students excited about marine science in a way that felt fun, interactive, and meaningful. We knew we needed something […]

Brains, Buzzers, and the Deep Blue: My Dive Into Orca Bowl

This year, I got to compete in the Orca Bowl, a fast-paced marine science competition that brought together my love for the ocean and my inner competitor. The event combines buzzer-style trivia with free-response team questions, all centered around eight marine science categories like biology, chemistry, geology, and technology. Each team has four members, and […]

From Sturgeons to Sea Stars: Teaching the Ocean One Visitor at a Time

Volunteering at the Seattle Aquarium through the Youth Ocean Advocates program has been one of the most meaningful parts of my high school experience. The program lets high school students teach visitors about the animals on display, and it starts with training where we learn everything from the animals’ habitats to their behaviors. Once we’re […]