Beth joined the Aquarium team in 2008 and now holds the title of Distance Education Programs Coordinator. Her most notable achievement in this position has been the enormous growth of Aquarium Rovers, an initiative that brings valuable science education opportunities to learning environments throughout South Carolina where students may not otherwise be able to experience the Aquarium.

“Rovers reaches young people in learning environments where they feel safe,” Beth says. “The students are excited to have the animals visit them, and it’s rewarding to see a student transition from being afraid to reaching out and touching an animal.”

Support from Holland Lifelong Learning, a Watershed initiative, enables Beth to reach a wider audience that includes seniors in retirement communities. Working to educate older people challenges her in a new way. She has especially enjoyed watching seniors who are receiving memory care “light up” when they have a hands-on experience with the animals.

Beth believes that distance education programs have the possibility for infinite growth. “The Aquarium could educate people all over the world with online technology,” she says. “There’s no limit to the people we can reach outside of our walls.”