Jim Wharton

Jim Wharton, PhD has a diverse background in marine education and conservation. Jim served as the Vice President of Conservation Engagement & Learning at the Seattle Aquarium from 2012, where they developed and coordinated conservation engagement programs and evaluated program quality. Jim also served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the National Marine Educators Association from 2006 to 2016. During their time at the Mote Marine Laboratory, they were the Vice President of the Education Division and later the Director of the Center for School and Public Programs. Jim was responsible for the vision, financial integrity, and daily operations of the Education Division, which reached over 25,000 students and families annually. Jim also served in various leadership roles at the Florida Marine Science Educators Association, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Jim has a strong background in education, outreach, and program development in the marine science field.

Jim Wharton, PhD, completed their education history from 1989 to 2021. Jim began their academic journey by obtaining a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Biology from the University of Michigan in the period of 1989-1993. Then, they pursued further studies and acquired a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Marine Resource Management from Oregon State University, graduating in 2002. Finally, Jim Wharton accomplished their educational pursuits by earning a Ph.D. in Educational Measurement from the University of South Florida, where they completed their studies until 2021.