Sarah Cotter

Sarah is a graduate student at the University of Miami, pursuing her MPS in Marine Conservation. After completing her B.S. in Early Childhood Education at Penn State University. During this time, Sarah worked as a backpacking leader for four years in the Pennsylvania backcountry as an alternative orientation program. Once graduating, Sarah completed her student teaching in Costa Rica, teaching English, Art, and Environmental classes. After her time in Costa Rica, Sarah studied abroad in Turks & Caicos, where she studied marine megafauna and looked at the effects of environmental tourism on marine iguanas, as well as the effect of red vs. blue light on octopuses. 

Wanting to pursue a career in the natural world, Sarah worked in Chile, Patagonia, for one and a half years with the School for Field Studies, working as the Health & Wellness Manager. During her time in Patagonia, Sarah was responsible for all non-academic aspects of the program. She assisted students in the field with data collection on projects, including avalanche projection, tree hybridization, effects on the forest after wildfires, etc.

After her time in Patagonia, Sarah decided to further pursue diving and marine conservation, with a specific love of sharks! Sarah obtained her divemaster’s certification and decided to continue her education at the University of Miami. Along with creating an educational shark program for students in the Florida Keys, Sarah also conducts fish/benthic surveys on artificial/real reefs, conducts sea turtle nesting surveys, works as a naturalist, and volunteers in coral nurseries. 

Sarah spends her time traveling, Scuba diving, rock climbing, painting, hiking, and hanging out with her friends. With the Ocean First Institute, Sarah is excited to be working with Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza and Katie Propp to bring to life an educational shark program accessible to students regardless of socioeconomic status, possible with the Ocean Reef Community Foundation Grant, helping spread ocean education and awareness, and inspiring future scientists and conservationists!