USC Sea Grant

Linda Chilton

Linda Chilton is the USC Sea Grant Education Programs Manager. She is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating a wide range of educational programs focusing on both students and teachers.  She participates with COSEE-West in co-designing and teaching workshops for teachers bringing scientists and educators together to exchange and facilitate learning on current marine science topics.  She is part of the leadership team for the Los Angeles Charter School Science Project serving 3rd – 8th grade teachers. Ms. Chilton serves as a founding partner on the Key to the Sea Program, a school-aquarium watershed education collaboration. She facilitates the single and multi-day Island Explorer bringing underserved middle and high school students to Catalina Island for field experiences. She works with partners in implementing the Parent Child programs offered through USC Sea Grant.

Ms. Chilton helped to develop and coordinates the harmful algal bloom watch program with 12 informal science centers in the Southern California area. Her current efforts include addressing education pathways for Aquatic Invasive Species, integrating ocean and environmental literacy into schools and climate change education. She also serves on other science education consortiums, is a member of the Southwest Marine Educators and the National Marine Educators Associations, and the California and National Science Teachers Associations.

Prior to joining USC Sea Grant Ms. Chilton served 17 years developing and managing education programs as the Education Specialist at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium.  Some of the grant-funded programs she designed and coordinated include the volunteer Sea Ranger Naturalist Program, the Los Angeles Ocean Learning Experiences Program, and Portals to the Sea Watershed Education.  She served on the team to design the Exploration Center.  She has a wide variety of both formal and informal teaching experiences.

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