Educator & Ecologist
I’m a science educator and ecologist from Miami, Florida. I recently graduated from the Plant Biology and Conservation Program at Northwestern University/Chicago Botanic Garden and am currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Maryland.
Science Educator
Before transitioning to graduate school I had the privilege of spending eight years as an educator in Miami, Florida. I’ve had the privilege of teaching students from Early Learning through 9th grade in public, private, charter, and boarding schools. My students have been the brightest, most creative, and hardest-working scientists I’ve ever met!
Plant Biology & Conservation
As a master’s student in the Plant Biology and Conservation program at Northwestern University and the Chicago Botanic Garden, I conceptualized, designed, and conducted an independent research project related to mangrove migration in Florida. I am currently working to transform my graduate education and research experiences into K-8 curriculum and programming.
Mangrove Migration
As a Ph.D. at the University of Maryland in the Espindola Lab and Gruner Lab, I am expanding my master’s research on mangrove migration in Florida and developing Community-Driven Science projects in Chicago, Florida, and Hawai’i.
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Smithsonian Institution
Samantha is a Smithsonian Link Fellow alum. This fellowship supported mangrove fieldwork during the summer of 2023.
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Garden Club of America
Samantha is a recipient of the GCA Award in Coastal Wetland Studies and the GCA Award in Garden History and Design.
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Society for Ecological Restoration
Samantha is a recipient of the Society for Ecological Restoration Mid-west Great Lakes Chapter Student Implementation Award.
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Samantha is a recipient of the NOAA: Margaret A. Davidson Fellowship at He’eia National Estuarine Research Reserve