Fields: Community and Citizen Science, Informal STEM Engagement, Environmental Education
Bio: Dr. Todd A. Harwell (he/him) explores how individuals and communities interact with and contribute to scientific monitoring and research processes involving the natural world around them. His recent work examines the roles and impacts of community and citizen science in the implementation of marine protected area (MPA) systems across the coastlines of California and Oregon. Some of Todd’s previous research explored how STEM engagement opportunities like participation with community and citizen science programs contribute to the science identity development and community cultivation of participants with a focus on the experiences of LGBTQ2SIA+ participants.
Todd has a background in marine science, environmental education, and teaching middle school through graduate-level STEM courses at various institutions. He also served three years as a community-based environmental management Peace Corps Volunteer in the coastal desert of Perú with primary projects focused on the biodiversity conservation and ecotourism management of a group of protected islands known as the Islas Ballestas.
His passionate for connecting people with science and nature is exemplified through his approaches to both research and teaching. Todd believes that anyone and everyone is a scientist simply by the way they make unique observations, develop critical questions, and distinctly experience and engage with the world around them.