Biography for Laura Francis
Laura Francis is education coordinator for the Santa Barbara office of the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
Laura worked as education coordinator at the CINMS from 1994-1998.
From July 1998-September 2000, Laura gained national experience by working on detail with the Headquarters office of the Marine Sanctuaries Division to direct the development of education programs for Sustainable Seas Expeditions (SSE).
SSE is a project of ocean exploration and public education in America's 13 national marine sanctuaries.
During her tenure with SSE, Laura managed the development and implementation of some innovative national education and outreach initiatives, including teacher workshops, a teacher resource book, web chats and uplinks, student ocean summits, Teacher-In-The-Sea, Students-At-Sea, open houses and traveling exhibits.
These educational programs reach classrooms, community groups, resource users and the general public and focus on instilling a sense of responsibility and stewardship for our oceans. Laura has more than 10 years of progressive experience in marine research and education positions including experience as a classroom teacher, environmental educator, marine biologist, environmental consultant and education coordinator.
Laura graduated from UC Berkeley with a bachelor's in Zoology and earned her master's degree in Deep-Sea Biology from UC Santa Barbara.
Laura finds her work most rewarding when she discovers innovative ways of integrating research and education. She is thrilled to be back in Santa Barbara again and working with the CINMS team.