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About
Biologist. Educator. Filmmaker. Having adventures in informal science education and outreach as a science communicator.

I am especially interested in environmental education, distance learning, and citizen science. Getting people of all ages excited about science and connecting them with the natural world is my passion. 

I completed my MS in Museum & Field Studies with an Informal Biology Education & Citizen Science focus at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I now work as part of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science team as the Distance Learning Coordinator.
Current Projects
  • Museum Programming: As Distance Learning Coordinator at DMNS, I support and teach informal science programs in schools and online through distance learning. It is tremendous fun to blend science, collections, technology, and education to create fun, engaging science learning opportunities for students all over the world.
  • Citizen Science & Writing: I was part of a team that launched a new citizen science project in Boulder, CO called the Sunflower Community Project. My master's thesis, titled "Citizen Science: A Tool for Scientific Discovery & Influencing Science Attitudes in Museums"  explored the power of citizen science in informal learning institutions, such as natural history museums. I examined which types of citizen science projects are being used by different museums as well as how participation in citizen science affects volunteers' attitudes toward science. Currently I am preparing my thesis findings for publication.
Education
University of Colorado at Boulder (2013-2015)
     Master of Science in Museum & Field Studies (Track: Public/Administration)
     Concentrations: Informal Science Education & Citizen Science
     Master's Thesis: Citizen Science: A Tool for Scientific Discovery & Influencing Science Attitudes in 
     Museums 

The Colorado College (2006-2010)
     Bachelor of Arts in Biology
     Minor in Film Studies
     Senior Thesis: Population Differentiation of Impatiens capensis at the Range Limits
Current Positions
Distance Learning Coordinator, Denver Museum of Nature & Science                                                             2017-present
Volunteer Naturalist, Audubon Society of Greater Denver                                                                                 2014-present
Past Work Experience
Offsite Programs & Distance Learning Specialist, Denver Museum of Nature & Science                                     2015-2017
Entomology Collection Assistant, University of Colorado Museum of Natural History                                           2013-2015
STEM Instructor, CU Science Discovery                                                                                                                         2015
Citizen Science Project Manager,The Sunflower Community Project                                                                    2013-2015
Guest Lecturer, Colorado College                                                                                                                                   2015
Rural Outreach Coordinator, University of Colorado Museum of Natural History                                                            2014
Education Intern, Audubon Society of Greater Denver                                                                                                    2014
Seasonal Park Interpreter, El Paso County Parks                                                                                                  2012-2013
Biology Paraprofessional, Colorado College Biology Department                                                                         2011-2013
Research Specialist, University of Connecticut & Colorado College                                                                      2010-2011
Teaching Assistant, Colorado College Biology Department                                                                                   2009-2010
Lab Technician, Colorado College Education Technology Services                                                                      2008-2010
Research and Greenhouse Assistant, Colorado College Biology Department                                                       2006-2009
Past Volunteer Experience 
Volunteer Museum Educator, University of Colorado Museum of Natural History                                                 2013-2015
Interpretive Volunteer, El Paso County Nature Centers                                                                                         2012-2013
Girl Scout Leader, Girl Scouts of Colorado                                                                                                             2012-2013
Monkey, Bear, & Lion Department Volunteer, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo                                                                         2010
Lab Leader, Cool Science & Girls Day in the Lab                                                                                                  2009-2010
Publications
Heschel, M. Shane, Ann Evankow, Katherine Bibee Wolfson, Jane Carlson, & Kent E. Holsinger. 2014. Drought 
     response diversification in African Protea species. International Journal of Plant Sciences. 175(4): 442-449. LINK
 
Bibee, Katherine, Katie Shishido, Ronald P. Hathaway, and M. Shane Heschel. 2011. Population differentiation of
     Impatiens capensis (Balsaminaceae) at the range limit. International Journal of Plant Sciences. 172: 211-219. LINK

Boggs, Julian Z., Katrina Loewy, Katherine Bibee, and M. Shane Heschel. 2010. Phytochromes affect drought response
     physiology in Arabidopsis thaliana. Plant Growth Regulation. 60: 77-81. LINK
For a more complete list of my experience, visit my CV here.

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