Rob is a conservation ecologist with a B.Sc. from University of California, Irvine, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. from University of Oregon who has 25 years of professional experience working in over 40 countries on issues related to coastal, marine, forest ecology; wildlife trade; climate change; collaborative management of protected areas; payment for environmental services; and empowerment of civil society organizations and communities. He has worked as a senior scientist and executive for National Geographic, Wildlife Conservation Society, and UNESCO as well serving as a faculty member at academic institutions and board member on non-profit organizations. He enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids, hiking, diving and cooking. He is based in Laguna Niguel, CA.

Email – rlee@lagunaoceanfoundation.org

Krista was first exposed to conservation ecology and marine invertebrates while obtaining her B.S. from the University of California, Santa Barbara. After receiving her PhD in chemistry from the University of California, Irvine, she completed her Post Doc at the University of Alberta in Canada. To get more involved in conservation, she joined Laguna Ocean Foundation. In her spare time, you can find Krista climbing rocks, looking for bugs, and exploring nature.

Email – krista@lagunaoceanfoundation.org

Alayna joined the Laguna Ocean Foundation in September of 2023 after working as a fisheries outreach biologist for the state of Louisiana for the past 10 years. She focused on providing aquatic education to the public, creating stewards of the environment, and managing aquatic volunteers. Alayna is originally from the east coast of Maryland and received her B.S. in wildlife conservation from the University of Delaware. She is excited to explore the west coast now and have the opportunity to engage with the local community as she helps to share her passion for the outdoors.

Email – alayna@lagunaoceanfoundation.org

GRETCHEN MCKAY

JESSICA CLARK

Jessica joined Laguna Ocean Foundation in June of 2021 as a Tidepool Educator and has since become the Educator Trainer. Jessica grew up in Michigan, visiting family in Southern California where her love for the ocean began. She studied biology at Grand Valley State University and is in a gap period before attending grad school for marine biology and shark research. Jessica loves working in our ocean ecosystem and teaching others about the wonders of the intertidal zone and Marine Protected Area. 

S.H.

Our Education Specialist joined Laguna Ocean Foundation in 2018 as a Tidewater Docent then quickly advanced to Tidepool Educator. Now as Education Specialist, she handles data management, assists in onsite and online outreach and education, and collaborates with nearby businesses, schools, and after-school programs. She is on track to complete her Master’s at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in 2023.