Program Director

Jackie Buhl

Ever since I can remember, I have always had a deep love of animals and nature. I spent my childhood peering under rocks and catching tadpoles in nearby creeks and that love of the natural world has continued throughout my life. I also grew up working at Old Firehouse School, where I developed a deep understanding and appreciation for early childhood education. My passion for the natural world guided me to earn a master's degree in primate behavior, and I conducted my fiend work in Nigeria studying play behavior in juvenile baboons.

My career has been an adventurous blend of teaching and research. I've taught scuba diving and marine biology in the Caribbean and East Africa, sharing my love for the ocean with eager learners. I worked as part of a long-term research project studying behavior in rhesus macaque monkeys in Puerto Rico. Additionally, I spent years working on a marine science research boat, contributing to projects including whale research, fish tagging, kelp forest monitoring, and many other studies. Looking ahead, I am thrilled to combine my passion for working with young children and my love of wildlife and nature in order to foster a new generation of young nature enthusiasts and conservationists.