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Tom Gaskill - Education Coordinator for the South Slough NERR, Oregon
Name: Tom Gaskill
What is your expertise or focus area?
I have been the Education Program Coordinator at South Slough NERR for 14 years. My work includes the planning, development, and delivery of educational programs and training for a wide variety of audiences. In addition, I lead the design and development of facilities, trails, and exhibits to provide interpretation and access to the Reserve. My specific expertise lies in my abilities as a naturalist, birder, and educator. I have experience in curriculum development and implementation combining field science with classroom and lab experiences to produce inquiry driven student projects.
What education, training, and experiences led you to your current job with the NERRS?
My college education began in the field of communication studies and the theatrical arts. However, I changed my emphasis after a couple of years and found my strongest interest in environmental science. I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Biology from Plymouth State College in New Hampshire and have pursued additional studies in marine science throughout my career. I accepted an internship in the education program at South Slough NERR in 1989, and moved to the west coast at that time. I found that while I was highly interested in science as a means of understanding the natural world, my passion and reverence for the natural world and my talents in communicating with people were a good fit for work as an educator and coordinator of educational experiences.
What are some interesting aspects of your job?
In my current work, I am able to combine aspects of field biology with the development of methods to teach and communicate important concepts to a wide variety of audiences. I enjoy the interface between complex scientific concepts and bodies of knowledge and the personal experiences and observations that non-scientists bring to the table. The area where I live and work has a culture that is strongly oriented to outdoor experiences, however, the appreciation for the diversity and subtlety of coastal ecosystems is sometimes lacking. This presents a unique challenge which can be exciting, frustrating, and rewarding all in the same teaching experience. One of the most interesting aspects of my work is the constant need for creativity and flexibility. I find the constantly changing nature of estuaries to be a source of eternal interest and fascination.
What is the most unusual or most unexpected thing that has happened to you while working with or in estuaries?
While crossing the mudflats one time to locate a study site with some students, I began to sink rapidly into some very deep, very sticky mud. I quickly turned around and moved as fast as I could back to a nearby salt marsh. I truly thought I might get stuck so deep I wouldn’t be able to get out, but apparently I made it.
What is your proudest achievement in your job?
I am pleased to have helped establish an educational program, interpretive center, and trail system that is well known throughout our region as a highly recommended experience not to be missed.
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Last Updated on: 07-01-2008
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