Science Interpretation & Educational Outreach
Let's Go Outdoors!, Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District, Carmel, CA
2019-2020 – Instructor
I lead natural history walks and nature explorations for the Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District Let's Go Outdoors! program, including Ecology Amongst the Oaks walks at Palo Corona regional park and Tidepool Treks at the Pacific Grove Marine Gardens.
Forest Grove Elementary School, Pacific Grove, CA
2017-2020 – K-2 Classroom Volunteer
I volunteer leading science lessons in K-2 classrooms. Lessons focus on biodiversity, adaptations, natural history, and earth sciences.
Student Oceanography Club, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, CA
2009-2011 – Mentor
I was a mentor for the Monterey Bay Aquarium Student Oceanography Club. The club introduces middle school students to marine biology, oceanography and conservation through lectures, group activities, field experiences and individual projects.
Read SOC posts on Gerick's Outreach Blog
Moorea Coral Reef LTER Education Program, Santa Barbara, CA
2007-2009 – Contributor
I was an author and photographer for the Moorea Coral Reef LTER Education Program, speaking to school groups, writing species and research accounts, and providing photographs for the Moorea Coral Reef Marine Life Encyclopedia.
NCEAS Kids Do Ecology Classroom Program, Santa Barbara, CA
2005-2009 – Scientist
I was a classroom scientist for the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS) Kids Do Ecology Classroom Program. As a scientist, I visited Santa Barbara classrooms and led 5th grade classes through research projects aimed at giving them an understanding of ecology and the scientific method. After students have completed their experiment, they compile their data and create a poster that they present to other classes at a poster session held at NCEAS.
Hollister Ranch Conservancy Tidepool School, Gaviota, CA
2006-2009 – Docent
I was a docent for the Hollister Ranch Conservancy Tidepool School Program. Tidepool School docents lead 3rd through 7th grade classrooms on intertidal walks, introducing students to marine biodiversity and natural history. The children are able to see and touch an astounding array of marine organisms, and learn about intertidal ecology and conservation.
Palomarin Field Station, Point Blue Conservation Science (PRBO), Bolinas, CA
Mar-Nov 2002 – Education Intern
At the Point Reyes Bird Observatory, my primary responsibilities were interpreting avian research to visitors at the Palomarin Field Station, giving lectures at local schools, guiding bird walks, hosting ecology-oriented fairs, and producing educational materials and displays. I also curated the PRBO research skins collection, and aided in passerine mist-netting and banding.
Birch Aquarium, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, San Diego, CA
Summer 2000 – Educational Outreach Volunteer
I prepared specimens and led activities teaching shark anatomy and physiology at the Birch Aquarium, including preparing shark jaws and skins for a museum display, leading aquarium patrons through dogfish dissections, and conducting a shark dissection during a live webcast sponsored by the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.