Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program Manager, Non-Degree Programs, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO), Columbia Climate School
109C Oceanography Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory 61 Route 9W Palisades, NY 10964 USA
BIOGRAPHY:
Laurel Zaima is the Program Manager of Non-Degree Education and Outreach Programs at the Columbia Climate School. Laurel has substantial experience working with youth, teaching students through informal education about the natural environment through hands-on experiences.
At the Climate School, she coordinates professional learning workshops for learners who are interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in the areas of climate and sustainability, pre-college place-based programs that dive into climate science, impacts, and solutions to empower young people to shape a more just and resilient future, and K12 and educator offerings.
As an educator, Laurel works on education initiatives that communicate topics of sustainability, climate change, sea level rise, and climate action to the general public, K12 and undergraduate students, and formal and informal educators. Laurel has led and advised high school and undergraduate students through Lamont's summer research opportunities including the Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP), Next Generation of Hudson River Educators Program, and the Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains Pre-College Program.
In addition, Laurel serves as the U.S. Board President and instructor of the Terranaut Club, a non-profit organization that is committed to providing science and environmental education opportunities for young women and gender minorities through immersive experiences in STEM and nature.
Laurel has a BS in Marine Science and Biology from the University of Miami and a MS in Sustainability Science from Columbia University.
Turrin, M., Allan, E., Stock, J., Zaima, L. (2020). It Takes a ‘Superhero’ to Uncover the Climate Secrets in Fossilized Arctic Ocean Dinocysts. The Journal of Marine Education, vol. 34, no. 1.
Tanenbaum, J., Fenton, J., Knudson, C., Laible, N., Rosamilia, B., Turrin, M., Zaima, L. (2021). Earth Day at Cottage Lane: A Local, Affordable, Outdoor-Education- Day Model for Your School or Setting. The Earth Scientist, 37(1), 4-9.
CONTACT
lnz2104@columbia.edu
212-854-0641
NETWORK AFFILIATION(S)
EXPERTISE
FIELDS OF INTEREST
Marine and Estuarine Science, Coastal and Ocean Sustainability, Climate Science, Climate Education, Polar Geophysics, Polar Education, Place-based Education, Environmental Justice
EDUCATION