My family moved from land-locked Utah to Eugene, Oregon when I was seven years old. We were soon just a little over an hour's drive to the beach. My dad bought a fishing boat and gifted my sister and I matching rubber crabbing suits. We had adapted to the rain and quickly immersed ourselves in ocean-related endeavors. Soon after our move, I met Keiko the orca at the Oregon Coast Aquarium, visited the barking sea lions at Sea Lion Caves, and carefully explored life in the tide pools. In high school, I discovered the power of surfing and later desired to witness the calm under the sea. As an adult, I pursued advanced certification in cold water scuba diving and enjoy spending time with my scuba family.

I began as a pre-med student and obtained bachelor of science degrees in biology and education from Oregon State University. I hold a master’s degree in STEM curriculum development and strive to prioritize the integration of ocean literacy principles, human impact and citizen science.

In 2018, I participated in a hydrographic survey aboard the Thomas Jefferson through NOAA’s Teacher at Sea Program. I was later featured in a NOAA Teacher at Sea Alumni video series called, “Finding Your Inner Explorer.” In 2023, with the help of Project ROVe, I led two classes of 30 students in the design and construction of underwater remote operated vehicles and took one team (Go Pipe Squeak!) to the regional MATE ROV Competition in Newport, OR.

In March 2023, I was accepted as a Grosvenor Teacher Fellow through a partnership with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic. This has allowed me to connect with other GTFs including the 2023 cohort of 50 highly esteemed educators from the U.S., U.S. Territories, and Canada. This year, we will embark on expeditions around the world and bring experiences back into our classrooms.

In my role as a math and science teacher, I strongly believe in helping sixth-graders foster genuine relationships with each other and the outdoors. I hope to empower students through mentorship in completing difficult tasks, engaging in new experiences and exploration. Our school is located in Tigard, OR, which provides a perfect opportunity for students to follow connections of watersheds from the mountains to the sea!

Thank you for reading and following this next adventure to Kimberley, Australia. Please reach out to connect!

-Brandy/Ms. Hill

Instagram: ms.b.hill

Youtube: Brandy Hill