Katie Noonan – Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, The University of Michigan, National Board Certified Teacher 2003 (Adolescent and Young Adult Science), Classroom Science Teacher in OUSD1990-2014 (ret), EPA Region 9 Environmental Achievement Award 2009. Founder and CO-Director of the Environmental Science Academy (California Partnership Academy) at Oakland High, CO-Director 1997-2014 in charge of designing curriculum, maintaining grant and administering budget. As Academy Director I worked with local environmental organizations including Weed Warriors (tidal marsh restoration), Friends of Sausal Creek (restoration), Chabot Space and Science Center, and PG&E (Solar Suitcases in the Schools) and OpenROV (built underwater robotic vehicles and flew in Lake Merritt). Currently I am a Board Member of The Lake Merritt Institute and editor of The Tidings newsletter, and a Partner of GLOBE and WestEd. I do environmental projects with youth such as helping to engage them in shore cleanups, coordinating monitoring of water and organisms by different groups, helping students participate in STEM activities and restoration projects.