When diverse experiences are brought together and amplified, they become a movement, a force for change. You are invited to be a part of this movement and join the conversation, as we share and learn together about the importance of listening, understanding, and amplifying the voices and experiences of equity-deserving groups in marine conservation.
This webinar is part of a series of educational opportunities focused on supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in marine conservation throughout the REEF Oceans for All initiative. Check out our Oceans for All page for more information.
Panelists:
Kiirah Green
Meet Kiirah Green, a dedicated marine scientist with a passion for exploring Deep-Sea Biology and a Master of Science from UCSD Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Kiirah holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science from Coastal Carolina University and has conducted extensive research, including the description of seven new species of deep sea and shallow water annelids, the ecology of coral reefs in Jamaica, and the physiology of male sand fiddler crabs. Currently serving as a Laboratory Assistant at Scripps, Kiirah excels in various procedures, fisheries data collection, and marine science education, demonstrating expertise in SCUBA, PCR, DNA extraction, and scientific outreach, with a dedicated commitment to advancing marine science education and contributing to the conservation of our oceans.
Todd Bohannon
Todd Bohannon was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but grew up in Bellevue, Washington since the age of four. They received a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from The Evergreen State College in 1997 and a Master’s in Teaching from Antioch University-Seattle in 2002. Todd has worked as an educator in the greater Seattle area for over 20 years, working exclusively in small, public, alternative schools, also known as option schools. They have also worked extensively in environmental education for nearly three decades, which includes leading numerous trips of middle school students to the Peruvian Amazon with No Barriers Youth. Todd has been working as an educator and curriculum designer for the Grouper Moon Project with REEF since 2011.
Sabeena Beg-Cook
Sabeena’s career has spanned environmental science, non-profit, government, and public education sectors. She specializes in Marine, Avian, and Coastal Ecology, leading ecological research projects such as coral reef and seagrass surveys. She has contributed significantly to environmental planning, engaging stakeholders in private ecological projects, municipal governments, and regulatory agencies. As a conservationist, her commitment is aimed at making a lasting impact through science, research, partnerships, education, science communication, and leadership in the non-profit sector. She is currently the Exective Director of Audubon Everglades and Chair of Science Communication.
Alex Troutman
Alex is a fish and wildlife biologist, birder, nature enthusiast, and science communicator from Austell, Georgia. He has a passion for sharing the wonders of nature and introducing the younger generation to the outdoors. He holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in biology from Georgia Southern University (the Real GSU), with a focus in conservation. Because he knows what it feels like to not see individuals who look like you, or come from a similar background, doing the things you enjoy or working in the career that you aspire to be in, Alex makes a point not only to be that representation for the younger generation but also to make sure that kids have exposure to the careers they are interested in and the diverse scientists working in those careers. Alex did his master's research on the diet of the seaside sparrow, a bird that lives in the tidal salt marshes off the coast of Georgia. He has also worked in the field with various endangered Species like Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtles and Karner Blue Butterflies. Troutman is a member of Black in Marine Science, and is currently a NOAA Knauss Fellow with the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program (FAC) at Fish and Wildlife Service.
Lys Isma
