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Kathayoon is a conservation psychologist and a social scientist. Additionally, Kathayoon collaborates with colleagues from around the world on research projects to advance our understanding of learning in zoos and aquariums. Kathayoon is also a researcher for Fostering Empathy for Animals, a joint project among the Seattle Aquarium, the Woodland Park Zoo, and the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. In this capacity, Kathayoon participates in publications, public speaking engagements, and conducts workshops on empathy development and measurement. 

Kathayoon started her career at as a teen volunteer at the Oregon Zoo and quickly developed a passion for wildlife and conservation. Through over a decade of work in zoo education, Kathayoon has implemented authentic approaches to evaluating visitor learning, including attitude and behavior changes that may have resulted from their visit. Kathayoon is an alumna of the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders program as well as an instructor for Project Dragonfly at Miami University of Ohio and a member of the editorial board for Zoo Biology. She is also a commissioner with the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission. Outside of work, Kathayoon runs an art and jewelry business called Otter and Ink Designs. She enjoys yoga, running, gardening, and hanging out with her friends, family, and kitties, Catniss and Cuzco. 

Professor Ardoin also researches the effectiveness of a range of environmental education and social science endeavors in achieving measurable and meaningful conservation results. To this end, she conducts evaluations with informal organizations, including museums, zoos/aquariums, parks, and residential environmental education programs, with an emphasis on using innovative, non-traditional metrics and adaptive management approaches. She is also interested in philanthropic support of environmental education and emergent trends in the field of environmental education research.

Previously, she worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on a national wildlife refuge in California, in the Alaska regional office, in the Washington, DC headquarters, and at the National Conservation Training Center (NCTC) in Shepherdstown, West Virginia as an environmental education and training specialist, the Chief of the NCTC Division of Education Outreach, and a Senior Advisor.

Janet received a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Planning and Interpretation, with an emphasis in Environmental Education, and elementary school and high school biology teaching credentials from Humboldt State University. She obtained a Master’s degree in Natural Science and Environmental Education from San Jose State University, in California, and a doctoral degree in Sustainability Education from Prescott College in Arizona, with a focus on engaging youth in conservation science.

Dr. Román holds a B.S. degree in Agronomy from Zamorano University in Honduras and an M.S. degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He also earned an M.S. degree in Biology, an M.A. in Linguistics, and a Ph.D. degree in Educational Linguistics, all from Stanford University. At the K-12 level, Dr. Román taught middle school science to English Learners and newcomer students for seven years, first in rural Wisconsin and then in San Francisco, California.

Spitzer has more than 20 years experience developing and implementing science education programs and materials. In 2014, he was recognized by the White House as a Champion of Change for Engaging the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders. In 2016, Spitzer received a Visionary Award from the Gulf of Maine Council for innovation, creativity, and commitment to marine protection.

Prior to coming to the New England Aquarium in 1996, Dr. Spitzer gained seven years of experience at TERC, an educational research and development firm in Cambridge, MA. There, he directed research and development projects in science education. 

Dr. Spitzer brings extensive experience in informal science education and curriculum development, as well as a background in physics, chemistry, and oceanography to his position at the New England Aquarium. He holds a Ph.D. in Oceanography from MIT and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.