Anne Lindsay, associate director of marine education for the University of Georgia (UGA) Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant, leads educational activities at the Marine Education Center and Aquarium on Skidaway Island. The facility, located near Savannah, acts as a hub for hands-on learning about coastal ecology and marine science.
Each year, thousands of students from across Georgia visit the center. They participate in field experiences such as salt marsh hikes, barrier island trips by boat, research cruises aboard the R/V Sea Dawg, and laboratory work including plankton studies and animal dissections.
“I really value the back-and-forth conversation, the exploration, and the experiential side of teaching. Without it, I wouldn’t be whole,” said Lindsay. She joined UGA’s Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant in 1998 after working as an educator along the East Coast. Lindsay holds a bachelor’s degree in zoology from UGA and a master’s from Clemson University.
Lindsay has helped develop pre-K–12 and adult programs focused on discovery-based learning. She is especially known for organizing Summer Marine Science Camps since 2002. These camps have become nationally recognized models that serve children ages 6-14 through fieldwork, lab sessions, and live animal encounters. At the end of each camp session, every child receives a hand-drawn paper plate award—a long-standing tradition.
In her role since 2011 as associate director, Lindsay manages staff and operations while continuing to teach classes. She has also secured external funding to expand programming and aquarium exhibits with an emphasis on coastal stewardship.
“Learning in the moment with other humans is what inspires me,” Lindsay said. “I especially love being a part of ‘first time’ adventures in nature because the surprises we may encounter together ultimately help students learn more about themselves.”
Lindsay builds upon educational traditions established at the aquarium since the 1970s by working with leading coastal researchers to offer science-based activities for school groups. She mentors emerging educators—training over 100 marine education fellows as well as graduate students and interns—who gain practical experience supporting camps and public programs.
Every four years, UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant undergoes federal review by the National Sea Grant Office; its environmental literacy efforts have received top merit ratings during recent cycles.
“I’m fortunate to lead a team of really talented people who know how to keep kids safe, teach them on boats, engage them in the aquarium, and explore with learners of all ages, creating a sense of stewardship in everyone who comes through this building,” said Lindsay.
