Home » Aquarium Staff » International Day of Women and Girls in Science

It’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science! We couldn’t let this day go by without giving our aquarists a huge shoutout for their incredible work day in and day out here at Birch Aquarium. While our team is an equal mix of women and men, we invite you to get to know the faces of the amazing women who care for our animals.
Meet our Team

Jenn
Title |
Senior Director of Animal Care, Science and Conservation |
University/Major |
Saint Francis University, Marine Science concentration |
Years at Birch Aquarium |
7 |
Favorite Part of the job |
Working with a diverse group of animal-loving people who are in it to make a difference with our animals and community |
Fun Fact About Jenn |
She plays multiple instruments including piano, trombone, cello, and clarinet, and, in college, was the lead actress in many musicals. |
Advice |
“You will get the most satisfaction by putting the most of yourself into the care of the animals; the passion, the interest, the research, the love. Prepare for long days, hard work, and great people!” |

Leslee
Title |
Associate Curator and “Mother of Dragons” |
University/Major |
University of Hawaii, Zoology with an emphasis in Marine Biology |
Years at Birch Aquarium |
29 |
Favorite Part of the job |
I love working with such a diverse group of aquatic animals. They are very interesting, and I learn new things all the time. I also like to share this cool information with other people. |
Fun Fact About Leslee |
I like to be in the middle of nowhere. I paddle out to sea on my outrigger canoe on my days off, or drive way out to the desert to camp for a nice getaway. |
Advice |
Keep learning and exploring whatever you are interested in. The best job is one that you have a great passion for!! |

Jenni
Title |
Senior Life Support Systems Aquarist |
University/Major |
Texas A&M University, Marine Biology |
Years at Birch Aquarium |
6 |
Favorite Part of the job |
Being in charge of all the mechanical equipment that keeps the animals alive! |
Fun Fact About Jenni |
She got her first fish from a game at the county fair! |
Advice |
“Find internships at aquariums to get as much experience as possible by the time you graduate from college. The experience will give you an edge over other candidates.” |

Melissa
Title |
Aquarium Assistant Dive Safety Officer and Aquarist |
University/Major |
Humboldt State University and University of Queensland Australia, Marine Biology + Fish Biology Minor: Scientific Scuba Diving |
Years at Birch Aquarium |
8 |
Favorite Part of the job |
Diving: to clean, collect, scout out, teach … all of it. |
Fun Fact About Melissa |
She is only 4 foot 11.5inches – No one will give her that 5 foot tall height measurement |
Advice |
Stay flexible, animals don’t care what you have planned. |

Kaelie
Title |
Enrichment Coordinator and Aquarist |
University/Major |
Oregon State University, Zoology + Oregon Coast Community College, Aquarium Science Program |
Years at Birch Aquarium |
3.5 |
Favorite Part of the job |
Enrichment! From octopuses to rockfish, I love incorporating enrichment into daily activities! |
Fun Fact About Kaelie |
She did ballet for 13 years before going to college! |
Advice |
“It’s allllllll in the networking. Make connections wherever you go and try to get your feet wet whenever you can (figuratively and literally!)” |

Amy
Title |
Aquarist |
University/Major |
The Ohio State University, Zoology |
Years at Birch Aquarium |
2.5 |
Favorite Part of her Job |
Ocean Diving & Species Survival Plan (SSP) work |
Fun Fact About Amy |
Has a knack for naming the title and artist of songs within the first few seconds |
Advice |
“Volunteer anywhere you can while you are in school — veterinary offices, wildlife rescues, zoos, aquariums, local nature preserves, etc.” |

Kayla
Title |
Aquarist |
University/Major |
UC Irvine, Biological Sciences |
Years at Birch Aquarium |
1 |
Favorite Part of her Job |
Watching someone’s jaw drop because you’ve told them something unbelievable about an animal that they will never forget. |
Fun Fact About Kayla |
I’m a painfully stereotypical native San Diegan that has brewed my own beer, loves running by the beach and is obsessed with my dogs. |
Advice |
“Don’t be afraid to involved and get your hands dirty! You are going to learn so much more from trying and failing and trying again than if you just stood by and watched.“ |