Kayla Clark is UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s new public programs coordinator. In her role, she will work with staff and faculty to introduce new public programs for educators, K-12 students, and the general public. Clark will be based on Skidaway Island at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium.
Clark plans to engage coastal residents and visitors by educating them about the connection between humans and the environment in an effort to promote sustainability and healthy coastal habitats. Family-friendly programming will create fun, educational spaces for all ages to experience coastal ecosystems and understand their benefits.
“I am looking forward to developing and coordinating programs that connect Georgia residents with Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant resources and research. I hope to create and expand opportunities for the public to explore, enjoy, and appreciate coastal Georgia.”
Her first initiative as public programs coordinator is to implement the Coastal Stewards Program, which is an environmental workshop series for adults. It is designed to engage participants in hands-on activities to improve their knowledge of coastal ecosystems, enhance understanding of current issues impacting coastal communities and inspire stewardship of coastal resources.
Kayla Clark uses a phone application to document the high tide on Skidaway Island.
Prior to her involvement at UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, Clark spent three years developing and facilitating summer science programs at Coral Reef Ed-Ventures in San Pedro, Belize. She gained experience in outreach while serving as an instructor for Auburn University Cooperative Extension’s Alabama 4-H Science School where she delivered reptile programs and led outdoor recreation and ecology classes.
Most recently, she worked as a Georgia Sea Grant marine education intern at the UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium. Her extensive experience in environmental education and understanding of Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant’s mission make her well-equipped to deliver robust public programs for coastal communities. Kayla graduated from Smith College with a degree in sociology and marine science.