Frances holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Spanish from UC Santa Barbara and a M.A.S. in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation from Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She founded and served as Executive Director of Ocean Connectors for over 14 years and has led the development of training modules, information and networking resources, and mentorship programs to optimize global ocean education and communication strategies. As Project Director for Coastal Resilience at the San Diego Natural History Museum, Frances builds regional knowledge and capacity for conservation planning and habitat restoration, develops nature-based solutions training materials, and collaborates with Museum scientists and partners to help catalyze conservation action throughout San Diego County. She also teaches continuing education courses at UC San Diego, including a first-of-its-kind Ocean Conservation Behavior course, and UC Berkeley Extension. Frances serves on the Board of Directors and as Conservation Committee Chair for the National Marine Educators Association.
