Marti Welch, Ph.D.

Marti Welch earned her doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Florida International University, a M.S. in Education from Old Dominion University, and a B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of N.C.- Wilmington. She has worked in environmental education for over twenty years, including with the National Audubon Society, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the North Carolina Aquarium, and as a business owner/consultant.

Her passion for marine education was heightened early on in Florida, when she was an intern at Newfound Harbor Marine Institute on Big Pine Key. Marti is the co- founder and director of Florida Flora and Fauna, Inc. a marine education outreach company that has provided hands-on science presentations in Palm Beach County for the past seven years.

Through live animal programs, she shares her fascination with marine life, while hoping to instill a sense of stewardship for the environment. Her publications include science journal articles and an electronic children's book about manatees.