Katherine Jones joined the Alliance for the Great Lakes Board in 2021 and has been in the field of non-formal environmental education since 2002. She is currently the Director of Education and Conservation at the Aquarium of Niagara (AON). While overseeing the interpretive, school, and volunteer programs, she has developed a facility-wide interpretive plan, created interpretive content for exhibit renovations and expansions, and added outdoor programs to the Aquarium’s lineup. Her efforts bring community partners together for public awareness and education, and highlight AON and other organizations in the field of conservation.
Prior to her time at AON, Katherine worked at the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, with National Audubon Society’s Project Puffin, and for Indiana State Parks- where her love of interpretation and environmental education began. She has previously worked with the NY Master Teacher Program, led teacher training courses for the American Meteorological Society’s DataStreme Atmosphere, and provided stranding response for the Outer Banks Marine Mammal Stranding Network. She holds a degree in wildlife biology and has been certified through the National Association of Interpretation as a Certified Heritage Interpreter. She grew up spending many family vacations along Lake Huron’s shores and now spends her free time exploring the abundant natural areas of Western NY with her husband and children.