Brian became a part of Project Oceanology in March of 2018 as a Part-Time Marine Science Educator. Brian has worked in the field of education for nearly thirty years. He has worked as an environmental educator and as an elementary school teacher. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Keene State College in New Hampshire. Brian received his Masters in Teaching and Elementary Teacher Certification from Oakland University in Michigan. Teaching has taken him all over the country and to the Carribean. He has taught marine science education on the coast of Georgia as well as the coast of California. He has taught elementary school on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean as well as in Detroit, Michigan.
Brian has had a passion for the ocean and the life within since his early childhood; spending his summers on Cape Cod, Massachusetts tidepooling along the rocky coast. In high school, a science field trip with his environmental chemistry class to a wastewater treatment plant in Boston, MA fostered a growing environmental ethos within him. Combined with a love for the outdoors and recreation, Brian pursued a degree in Environmental Science. But it wasn’t until working at a YMCA in Lakeville, CT where he discovered environmental education. Leading classes in freshwater ecology unearthed in him a love for teaching. Brian soon found that the greatest impact he could make to protect the environment was to educate school aged children about the environment. While working on the coast of Georgia, he was able to bridge his passion and curiosity for the ocean with his love for teaching. Since then Brian has continued to pursue teaching opportunities, whether in a classroom or out on the water, in hopes that he can inspire students to follow their own passion and empower themselves to make positive impacts in the world.
Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with his family, going to the beach, skiing, hiking, running 5Ks, birdwatching, camping and standup paddle boarding.
What do you love most about Project Oceanology?
What I find most enjoyable about Project Oceanology are the “ah-ha” moments when teaching a group of students. These moments occur when the student(s) piece together science concepts to the task they are performing or the lesson they are learning. Occasionally, they also make connections to their everyday lives. It’s my hope that these moments or connections stick with students for the rest of their lives and encourage them to become life long learners.
What marine animal is your favorite?
My favorite marine animal might be manta rays. I remember seeing them in a book when I was a child. To be honest, I was scared of the way they looked. Since those early fearful impressions I’ve come a long way. One of my favorite animal encounters was night diving with manta rays on the coast of Hawaii with my wife. Watching them perform effortless backflips to feed on the plankton in the water is a sight to behold.