Alyssa Bjorkquist Email & Phone Number

Mountlake Terrace, Wa, Us

Everett, Washington, United States

My primary responsibilities are centered around supporting the staff and programsled by the Education Department, including off-site outreach and on-site learning programs. I lead weekly coaching sessions with staff members in reaching their professional goals and model effective program management and exhibit interpretation. In addition, I manage databases around customer engagement and integrate peer-reviewed resources on learning theories and education practices in order to determine new directions or modifications to existing STEAM curricula.

Curating and evaluating marine science and environmental conservation programming for secondary school students in virtual learning environments. All curricular units include: NGSS-aligned lessons, multimedia learning materials, instructor guides, and formative and summative assessments.Some of my proudest accomplishments with OYA include:- Building out three versions for students in grades 3-12 for our flagship course, The Polar Oceans- Translating our two mini-courses -- "Plastic Pollution" and "Whale Poop! Our Carbon Flukeprint" -- into asynchronous modules on two learning platforms- Facilitating critical evaluations among students and educators in order to guide additional developments of our course offerings, accessibility, and successful integration into many learning settings including traditional classrooms, private schools, and homeschool.- Creating educational content that balances fun and information with current research on informal science education and the psychology of digital student learning

Seattle, Washington, United States

Facilitated growth of STEM departments by deepening staff and student connections. Provided pedagogical coaching through individual mentorship as well as group professional development opportunities. Advanced academic and social-emotional milestones set through project-based learning, individualized assessments, and team-building events. Maintained and serviced laboratory equipment, developed interdepartmental relationships between STEM/creative/humanities disciplines, and trained on best practices, green chemistry techniques, and guided inquiry investigations.

Seattle, Washington, United States

I worked with middle and high school students to provide personalized and accessible education in a 1:1 learning setting. My curricula were centered around student-led guided inquiry and NGSS-aligned lessons in natural and physical sciences, mathematics, executive functioning, and social-emotional health. My teaching encouraged students to think holistically about scientific practice and its applications in authentic settings. As a mentor, I helped students identify and meet goals as well as facilitated their academic, emotional, and social development both inside and outside of school environments.

Norwalk, Ca

Whittier, Ca

Long Beach, Ca

My position was multi-faceted and centered in informal leadership and education. I developed, evaluated, and implemented informal science education public and paid programming, such as summer camp or outreach content. I also conducted shows, tours, animal encounters, day camps, and overnight programs for guests visiting this AZA-accredited aquarium. In addition, I staffed learning and interpretation stations throughout the facility and communicated scientific literacy and conservation messaging to guests. In all of my programming, I worked to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of content delivery and maintain a positive atmosphere of feedback and growth among my peers.Outside of the aquarium, I served as a naturalist aboard Harbor Breeze Cruises whale watching trips and educated guests about cetacean biology and conservation. I worked closely with coworkers to maintain the Aquarium on Wheels, a mobile outreach program that promotes discovery and wonder through educational programming, assemblies, and public displays for schools and other settings in the Los Angeles and Orange County regions.

Long Beach, Ca

Conducted visitor studies research to better understand how guests engage with a new exhibit at an aquarium. Research included focused observations, interviews, and subsequent data analysis.

Greater Los Angeles Area

I worked with the Education Department to provide outstanding and interpersonal education to all guests who visit the zoo. I connected issues of conservation, species survival plans, and appreciation for all life with the animals who reside in LA Zoo care. I led formal talks, informal education opportunities, and general interpretation at various exhibits around the zoo, including training demonstrations, petting zoo care, habitat explorations, free play centers, and more.

Seward, Ak

As a summer fellow at the Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC), I operated under two departments:InterpretationI worked directly with the public as an education interpreter. Using artifacts, exhibits, and personal experiences I communicated messages of wonder and environmental stewardship to all guests of the ASLC. In addition to station rotations at invertebrate touch tanks, marine bird habitats, education stands, and the critical care unit (I.Sea.U.), I led behind-the-scenes tours and facilitated intimate encounters with puffins, octopus, and marine mammals. ResearchI was involved in the PHOCAS (Physiology and Health of Cooperating Arctic Seals) project under the guidance of Brandon Russell. This project was hoping to expose the basal metabolic energy of ringed, spotted, and bearded seals through a variety of factors including: blubber thickness, oxygen respiration, body morphology, whisker composition and distribution, and molting patterns. These factors attempted to provide a comprehensive review of critical metabolic and physiological processes through long-term analysis of captive rehabilitated seals. We worked directly with marine mammalogists and husbandry personnel at the ASLC to provide opportunistic data collection on selected seals and track eating and behavioral patterns throughout long-term data collection.

Catalina Island, Ca

The Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) is an outdoor education facility that serves visiting 4th-12th grade students and their chaperones in small student groups (1 instructor: max 16 students) allow for detailed lessons. Marine Science Instructor: lead students through hands-on lessons covering invertebrate zoology, marine mammalogy, algae, plankton, ichthyology, island ecology, marine geology, deep sea, fisheries awareness, squid dissections, oceanography, astronomy, and team-buildingTechnical Support: drive off-road vehicles, operate small watercraft (16' Boston Whaler) for water program support, collect plankton tows, lifeguard, and fix/maintain program equipment.Program Coordinator: manage activities and accommodations for large school groups during scheduled camp program between instructors, teachers, and studentsSocial Media Team: design and edit educational videos and blog posts about Catalina Island oceanography, terrestrial/marine biology, and geology for Outdoor School website guests

Eugene, Oregon Area

Mentored first-year Clark Honors College students on academic fields and social opportunities during introductory college term while teaching originally designed 10-week class entitled, “The Art of Science.”

• Advised students on academic course scheduling and progress towards graduation• Connected students with research, internships, study abroad programs, and scholarships

• Delegated and facilitated over 70 academic and social events or activities with fellow officers.• Communicate activities and needs of Clark Honors College Student Association officers to Clark Honors College administration and student body.

Served as an ambassador of the financial, academic, and social opportunities in the Clark Honors College to prospective and admitted students and their families during university events and scheduled tours.

• Assisted faculty and staff with technical projects and document organization.• Organized phone, email, and personal communications with visitors from diverse backgrounds.

Facilitated inclusive, involved, and safe communities with residents, Housing Staff, and police department in the Bean East Residence Hall Complex.

Master Of Science - Ms, Science Education (Option In Informal Science)

I pursued a graduate degree in informal science education to create more accessible, inclusive, and research-aligned programs that.

Bachelor’S Degree, Marine Biology And Psychology, Graduated With Honors

Activities and Societies: Robert D. Clark Honors College, UO Residence Life, Psi Chi, Clark Honors College Student Association.