Meghann McDonald is a marine ecologist, educator, and conservation leader dedicated to connecting people with the natural world. She has led place-based field science courses in Mexico, Australia, and the Caribbean, integrating hands-on research with immersive learning. An avid scientific diver and SCUBA instructor, she has spent countless hours studying marine ecosystems and mentoring students in field research.

Her deep-rooted connection to Bahía de los Ángeles began in infancy at Vermilion Sea Field Station, where she grew up immersed in field courses and research expeditions. She has logged thousands of nautical miles navigating the Midriff Islands, shaping her passion for community-driven conservation and education.

Meghann holds a B.S. in Marine and Coastal Ecology from CSU Monterey Bay and a Master’s in Zoology as one of the first Conservation Fellows in the Global Field Program. She is also a Wilderness First Responder.

As Executive Director of the Vermilion Sea Institute, she leads Aventureros, a year-round youth program fostering marine science, leadership, and conservation. Passionate about increasing accessibility in field science, she works to break down barriers that have historically excluded underserved communities, ensuring that all young people have opportunities to explore, study, and protect the natural world.