Ocean Tracks Contributors

Project Leadership

Ruth Krumhansl
Principal Investigator

Principal Scientist and Founder of EDC’s Oceans of Data Institute, Krumhansl leads research that is advancing the field’s knowledge of how students learn to work with data and is drawing upon findings to design innovative instructional resources that help teachers foster students’ data literacy. Before joining EDC, Krumhansl was a high school science teacher and department coordinator, a chief scientist and senior project manager in environmental consulting on Superfund sites, and a petroleum exploration geologist. Her career in applied science immersed her in the search for patterns in complex geospatial data, providing a foundation for her current interest and work in preparing students to live in a data-intensive world.

Randy Kochevar
Principal Investigator

Managing Project Director and Director of EDC’s Oceans of Data Institute, Kochevar leads a team that is working to transform K-16 science education to support students' entry into a world of big data through instructional design, research, and strategic partnerships with education and industry leaders. A marine biologist, he brings passion for science and conservation—as well as a proven ability to make complex scientific concepts engaging and comprehensible for diverse audiences—to his research and development of innovative online educational resources for teachers, students, and the public.

Cheryl Peach
Principal Investigator

Director, Scripps Educational Alliances at U.C. San Diego and Program Scientist at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Peach is focused on supporting the interplay between science and education at Scripps, specifically spearheading new initiatives and partnerships in outreach and education, as well as incorporating aspects of Scripps research activities into high quality education and outreach programs locally, regionally, and nationally.

Erin Bardar
Co-Principal Investigator, Project Director and Curriculum Lead for Ocean Tracks: College Edition

Bardar led the development of curriculum modules for undergraduate students. She brings 10 years of experience in Earth and space science curriculum development, teacher professional development, and education research to her work with the Oceans of Data Institute.

Kira Krumhansl
Co-Principal Investigator, Science Coordinator and Curriculum Developer for both Phase 1 and Ocean Tracks: College Edition

A marine biologist, Krumhansl acts as a bridge between scientists and educators. Her work on Ocean Tracks has involved development of curriculum modules for both high school and undergraduate students as well as research and dissemination.

Josephine Louie
Co-Principal Investigator, Phase 1, Research lead and Project Director, Ocean Tracks: College Edition

A Research Scientist at EDC, Louie has extensive experience conducting research in education and social science, with a background in quantitative and qualitative research methods.

Jackie DeLisi
Co-Principal Investigator, Phase 1, Research lead

A Research Scientist at EDC, DeLisi brings nearly 20 years of experience in the field of education as both a researcher and a practitioner. Her primary research interests include understanding the intersections between school organizations, pedagogy, and students’ adoption of scientific and engineering practices.

Christine Brown
Co-Principal Investigator, Project Director, Phase 1

Brown has worked for 20 years on developing science curricula with a focus on integrating technology into the classroom.

Curriculum Development


Julianne Mueller-Northcott
Curriculum Developer, Phase 1 and OTCE

EDC's Oceans of Data Institute

Patrick McDeed
Curriculum Developer, Ocean Tracks: College Edition

EDC's Oceans of Data Institute

Research and Evaluation


Jessica Sickler
Research and Evaluation, Phase 1 and Ocean Tracks College Edition

J. Sickler Consulting

Joe Heimlich
Evaluation, OTCE

COSI’s Center for Research and Evaluation and the Lifelong Learning Group

Dolly Hayde
Evaluation, OTCE

COSI’s Center for Research and Evaluation and the Lifelong Learning Group

Rebecca Nall
Evaluation, OTCE

COSI’s Center for Research and Evaluation and the Lifelong Learning Group

Amy Busey
Research, Phase 1, CODAP Integration Lead

Education Development Center

Joe Madura
Research, Ocean Tracks: College Edition

Education Development Center

Linda Hirsch
Research, Ocean Tracks: College Edition

Education Development Center

Craig Hoyle
Research, Ocean Tracks: College Edition

Education Development Center

Software Development and Design


Virgil Zetterlind
Lead Software Developer

Conserve.IO

Brad Winney
Software Development, Phase 1

HappyOrNot Ltd.

Gladys Hazel Diaz
Designer, Phase 1

Hazel.Design

Project Coordination/ Administration


Stephanne Ebsen-Clark
Project Coordinator, Ocean Tracks: College Edition

EDC's Oceans of Data Institute

Silvia LaVita
Project Coordinator, Phase 1

Education Development Center

Faculty Project Advisors


Alan Trujillo
Faculty Project Advisor

Palomar Community College

Lihini Aluwihare
Faculty Project Advisor

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

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