In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught.
~Baba Dioum
About Us
Purpose and Passion
Mission
We are committed to advancing marine conservation by removing barriers to individuals and institutions by providing access to research and hands-on training for conducting safe and effective science.
Goal
We strive to create pathways for the next generation of marine scientists that equip early-career researchers with the experience they need to launch their careers.
Action
We provide partnership with scientists and opportunities for meaningful, tangible research experiences through access to real datasets and training on how to investigate research questions.
Our Team
Board of Directors
Co-Founder & President
Dr. Meghan Holst
Meghan leads field expeditions, training courses, and research efforts that bridge conservation science and hands-on learning. Currently a researcher at University of California, Davis, Meghan studies shark ecology in San Francisco Bay, which includes []. Driven by a commitment to accessible science, she creates opportunities for early-career scientists and community members to engage directly with marine research.
Co-Founder & Secretary
Dr. Darien Satterfield
Darien serves as executive director and helps facilitate research, field and classroom courses, and public outreach operations. She is our resident data processing and analysis wizard, and as an educator, she shares those skills in our data science workshops. Darien is currently a postdoctoral scholar at Florida Atlantic University using AI and computational models to understand how large schools of sharks move as one while juggling intense competition for prey. She completed her Ph.D. in the Center for Population Biology at UC Davis, where she explored evolution and diversity in coral reef fish swimming behaviors and locomotor anatomy. Darien is also deeply committed to mentorship and to breaking down barriers within science and academia.
Treasurer
Devon Ohwiler
Devon manages OSEA's finances, and she spearheads the design of educational outreach materials that bring marine science to life. Devon is a marine science educator based in Southern California. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Biology from California State University Northridge, and is a certified marine mammal naturalist through the American Cetacean Society. Devon has 7 years of experience teaching marine science in various informal settings, including leading boat tours and citizen science field trips in Newport Harbor. Devon spent 4 years managing the citizen science field trip and outreach program at the Discovery Cube Science Center. Devon switched to teaching marine science in the classroom, and created a unique, hands-on curriculum geared toward the homeschool community. She is currently developing an online-based marine science course to benefit students of all ages, no matter where in the world they are located.
Our Work
Connection and Opportunities
RESEARCH:
We connect people with hands-on research through volunteer opportunities that support the work of OSEA scientists and the conservation of seven gill sharks in San Francisco Bay. This work is accomplished through ongoing partnership with University of California, Davis.
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Long-term Monitoring of Shark Populations - where they are, in what abundance, when, and why
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Toxicology - what sharks are being impacted by contaminants in the bay
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Foodweb Relationships - who's eating who, when, and why; changes and/or threats to prey species
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Baseline Physiology - developing a foundation of understanding the physiology of species here so we can better understand how threats impact their health
OUTREACH:
We connect people to conservation and research knowledge through hosted science talks, community outreach, speaking events, community events, and community partnerships.
FUNDRAISING:
We connect people to purpose through fundraising that supports real, on-the-ground research.
Our Partnership
Collaboration and Support
Ocean Science Expedition Academy connects our community with real, hands-on research opportunities. OSEA's President and Co-Founder, Dr Meghan Holst, is a researcher at the University of California, Davis, and this affiliation is what allows OSEA to offer direct access to university-level research. Permitting, research oversight, and liability insurance for all shark research are provided through the university, as an independent volunteer program from OSEA.