We are so excited to announce that we have two marine science educators joining our team of ocean advocates. Our new educators are here just in time to help us kick off our busy spring and summer seasons. You’ll find them leading programs for kids and families and sharing their love for the ocean. Tiara and Savanna bring their teaching experience from all over the United States to our little sandy bucket school here on Sanibel. Read a little more about them below.
Tiara Burton
Where are you from?
I'm from Minneapolis, Minnesota!
Where did you go to school and what did you study?
I went to school at Boston University studying Biology with a focus in Ecology and Conservation
What do you look forward to while teaching at Sanibel Sea School?
I'm looking forward to helping students dive headfirst into marine science as we learn about Sanibel's ecosystems and the fascinating creatures that live in them. Many of my favorite memories in school are from field trips and hands-on learning experiences where I got to see, smell, touch, and hear about the plants and animals I was excited about. So to have the opportunity to give those same experiences to others is very special to me, and I intend to make learning as fun as possible!
What do you like to do in your time off?
I like drawing, yoga, anime, scary movies, and taking long walks on nature preserve trails trying to see if I can spot anything interesting :). In the summers in Minnesota I can often be seen swimming or kayaking in the state's numerous lakes, streams, and rivers or doing anything that lets me be in or near the water.
What is your favorite sea creature?
Right now I am fascinated by sea slugs! They come in so many different colors and sizes, it's hard not to find these little guys incredible.
What's the best music for a weekend at the beach?
You can never go wrong with Spotify's curated playlists! I'm partial to R&B, myself so would probably put on some Jhene Aiko, Masego, or Omar Apollo.
If you could visit any marine ecosystem on the planet, where would you go?
I've always dreamed of snorkeling in Belize...who wouldn't?
Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself?
A goal of mine is to get SCUBA certified by 2024 so that I can take my love for snorkeling to a whole other level!
Savanna Wilkinson
Where are you from?
I’m from West Des Moines, Iowa.
Where do you go to school and what do you study?
I'm a sophomore at Florida International University and I'm studying Marine Biology.
What do you look forward to while teaching at Sanibel Sea School?
I'm most looking forward to teaching the many different kinds of subjects and creating art with students!
What do you like to do in your time off?
On my time off I enjoy nature journaling, shelling on Sanibel's beaches, and crafting.
What is your favorite sea creature?
I really like angel fish and corals!
What's the best music for a weekend at the beach?
Anything by Fleetwood Mac, ABBA or the like.
If you could visit any marine ecosystem on the planet, where would you go?
To Antarctica! I would want to go for a chilly dive to look for the colorful invertebrates.
Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself?
I have a cat named Ross and a bearded dragon named Mochi.