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Melanie Master
AIP Facilitator
Advanced Inquiry Program, Project Dragonfly

Melanie Master

Education

M.A. Biology, Miami University, 2020

Site Affiliation: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Melanie Master serves San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as a part-time Research Associate II in Community Engagement. Melanie earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies with Minors in Environmental Studies and Spanish from California Polytechnic State University (2015), and subsequent credentials in 2016, including Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with EL Authorization, Single Subject Teaching Credential: Earth Science, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Middle Level Education. Melanie graduated from the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) with a Master of Arts (MA) in Biology from Miami University/Project Dragonfly in affiliation with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in 2020. In her current role with SDZWA, she facilitates courses for the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP) graduate degree, including Foundations of Inquiry, Environmental Stewardship in My Community, and Regional Ecology, where she hopes to pass on her passion for nature and education by facilitating the Project Dragonfly courses that initially inspired her.

Melanie also has extensive experience as a formal educator at the K-12 level. She taught middle school science and environmental science in the Vista Unified School District. She has also gained applied field experience in scientific inquiry while working for multiple summers on plant conservation projects on Santa Rosa Island in partnership with an ecologist from the US Geological Survey (USGS). She has channeled her experience in conservation into designing experiences for her students to help them develop as environmental stewards. She published two articles in Green Teacher Magazine, one on teaching environmental education remotely and another on engaging students in using a behavior-change framework called Community-Based Social Marketing.

Melanie is passionate about protecting the environment by engaging her community and enjoys hiking, camping, gardening, and anything outdoors-related.