Growing up in Michigan near freshwater lakes, Lisa spent countless hours in the water from a very young age and out in nature. She was a diver and swimmer for four years in high school and had the opportunity to live around the world—from Kyoto, Japan to Perth, Australia. Spending time throughout her younger years in Hawaii, she learned to scuba dive, body surf and snorkel, which opened her eyes to the magic of the underwater world. And she spent countless hours as a kid navigating the great outdoors during a time when no one was as digitally connected as they are today. This sparked the curiosity and passion that would shape her life’s work. Over the past 40 years, Lisa has dedicated her career to marine science and education in Monterey Bay, where she has become a leader in connecting people to the vibrant ecosystems that exist just below the surface.
Lisa’s entry into this work began in the subtropical waters of Hawaii, where she introduced high school students to marine biology and oceanography aboard a research vessel. Upon returning to California, she combined her love for science and education by conducting research on midwater gelatinous organisms at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and developing innovative science programs at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. These experiences laid the foundation for her philosophy of “science-based stewardship,” which integrates cutting-edge research with education to inspire action and awareness.
Today, Lisa works with NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the United States. As the Education and Outreach Specialist and Team OCEAN Volunteer Coordinator, she develops engaging, science-driven programs that empower communities to protect the sanctuary’s natural resources. Lisa was NOAA‘s Project Manager to design and construct the state-of-the-art Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz, California. She envisioned the center as a “portal” into one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world, bringing visitors face-to-face with critical ocean issues like warming seas, marine debris, and wildlife conservation.
A pioneer of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education, Lisa creates interactive exhibits and programs that blend storytelling with art with science. Her passion for plankton—tiny organisms that produce at least 50% of the oxygen on earth—has driven the creation of the Plankton Science Monitoring Network, a groundbreaking citizen science initiative that trains community members and college students to collect and analyze plankton data. By fostering a hands-on connection to the marine environment, Lisa inspires participants to take ownership of ocean stewardship and contribute to the sanctuary’s long-term health.
Whether she’s designing impactful conservation programs, mentoring volunteers, or training the next generation of scientists, Lisa is fueled by an unwavering commitment to protecting the ocean, sharing its importance with the world, and expressing the critical need to mitigate climate change. She believes in the connection between land and sea, emphasizing that the choices we make on land have profound effects on the health of the ocean. That’s why Lisa’s mission is more urgent than ever: to inspire individuals to take meaningful action now, recognizing that protecting the ocean is essential to safeguarding the future of our planet, especially in the face of a rapidly changing climate impacting every place around the world.
At the heart of her work is a dedication to building a community of passionate ocean stewards who share her sense of wonder and responsibility. As Lisa puts it, “I strive to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates, cultivating a scientifically literate society that embraces sustainability and ensures the protection of our invaluable marine ecosystems for generations to come.”