January highlighted student mentor—Diana Payne
Our National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) mentor for January 2022 is Diana Payne, Associate Professor & Education Coordinator at Connecticut Sea Grant, University of Connecticut. Diana has worked in the marine education field for over 20 years. Diana says it is difficult to truly summarize what she does, but she shared that she describes herself as an ecologist, educator, photographer, and writer, currently serving as an Associate Professor and the Education Coordinator with Connecticut Sea Grant based at the University of Connecticut’s Avery Point campus. She is Chair of the NMEA Ocean Literacy committee, a past President of NMEA, a past Chair of the Sea Grant Education Network (SGEN), a past Chair of the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative (NEOSEC), and served as international expert in Ocean Literacy with the Fulbright Specialist Program. Diana is a co-editor of the first international book in marine science education, Exemplary Practices in Marine Science Education: A Resource for Practitioners and Researchers. She definitely keeps busy!
When asked what she loves most about her job, Diana replied,
[I love] Combining ocean science, education, and writing (too many grant proposals, unfortunately). I also love the variety and independence. Days are not the same, I often travel, and I am able to take advantage of many different opportunities.
Diana earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Southern Connecticut State University. She also earned her Educator Certification in Biology and General Science. Diana earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. Diana adds she also is working towards a Master of Fine Arts in Professional and Creative Writing.
Diana shared that she selected the colleges she attended because they offered smaller classes and allowed for work in the field. She added, “For example, in ornithology we were outside most of the time identifying birds in flight and by call. Not just looking at stuffed birds in a lab.”
When asked what advice she would give to her younger self, Diana replied,
Your path is not likely to be a straight line. Figure out what you like and don't like. Reach beyond your major and do things/take classes in non-science topics. You never know when you may be able to use it!”
She adds, “It's just as important to know what you don't like as it is to know what you do like.
Are you interested in connecting with Diana and asking more questions? NMEA Student members are given the opportunity to connect with our student mentors! Email us to find out more about becoming a student member: students@marine-ed.org or join NMEA today!