Laura Diederick joined the staff of the Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce in March 2005, facilitating the education and outreach efforts at the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit and Marine Station. While pursuing her degree at The Ohio State University, Laura oversaw the Outdoor Education, Summer Camp and Teen programs at the Hoover YMCA Park. In 2003 she joined the Conservation Education Department at the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium and developed the Batelle Zoo Science Quest, a new on-site, self-guided program for grades 3-5, based on the Ohio Learning Standards. Laura has been working in non-formal education for more than ten years and plans to continue for many more.