Weddell Seals in the Ross Sea

Growing up in Chillicothe, Illinois, Alice Eilers dreamed of becoming a teacher. Ms. Eilers began her schooling at the University of Mississippi, receiving her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education in 1990 and completing her graduate degree at the University of Memphis six years later. In 1995 her dreams of becoming a teacher became a reality and she began her teaching career at the Pink Palace Museum in Memphis, Tennessee. Ms. Eilers is currently the Manager of Education and has had the pleasure of teaching a variety of subjects including astronomy, natural and cultural history to area Pre-K through 8th grade students. Ms. Eilers has also been involved in number of national teacher professional development programs. In 2008, she was selected to participate in a research project studying Leatherback Sea Turtles through the NOAA Teacher at Sea Program. Ms. Eilers is in the MESSENGER Educator Fellowship Program and has also participated in the UMASS-STEM Polar Connections Program.

Daniel Costas is a professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California Santa Cruz. His research focuses on the adaptations of marine mammals and seabirds to life in the marine environment, by studying their diving, foraging, and searching behaviors. Please read more about Dr. Costas research on the Costa Lab website.

Jennifer Burns is an associate professor of biology and faculty research fellow in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Dr. Burns research interests focus on young marine mammals and how their age and physiological status influences their diving and foraging capabilities. Learn more about Dr. Burns and her work at her faculty webpage.

Eileen Hofmann is a professor of Oceanography at the Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography within Old Dominican University. Dr. Hofmann has a wide variety of research interests ranging from describing physical oceanography to mathematical modeling of marine ecosystems.