NICOLE CRANE
Executive Director
David H. Smith Conservation Fellowship Program
ncrane@conbio.org

Nicole Crane is a Senior Conservation Scientist and Faculty whose areas of expertise are in international ocean conservation and management, program development, ocean research, and education. Nicole has more than 25 years of experience working with communities and conducting ecological assessments of reefs, and has worked to enhance citizen science across cultures and disciplines. She is dedicated to linking rigorous science with cultural knowledge and community leadership in conservation. Nicole is a founding member and Co-Director, with John Rulmal, of One People One Reef, a non-profit focused on applied conservation with Pacific Island communities. Through her faculty positions in the California Community College system (currently on leave from Cabrillo College) Nicole has established several science education programs in the United States, with a focus on serving underrepresented students and enhancing DEI in STEM. She was the founder and Director of the National Science Foundation Center for Excellence in Marine Advanced Technology Education, Executive Director for Camp SEA Lab (California State University Monterey Bay), and co-developer of the NSF IScS integrated science program for at risk college youth.  She is committed to mentorship and career development, and to creating supportive, welcoming and inclusive communities. Nicole is an associate at the California Academy of Sciences, a National Geographic Explorer, and is a Fellow National at the Explorers Club. 

 

LAURA YATES
Program Manager
David H. Smith Conservation Fellowship Program
lyates@conbio.org

Laura designs dynamic systems, programs, and experiences that support people in connecting, learning, and pursuing their purpose. In June 2024, Laura joined Smith Fellows and the Society for Conservation Biology as the Smith Fellows Program Manager, where she stewards the growth and development of both the Smith Fellows community and the two-year Fellowship program. Laura has 10+ years experience consulting independently and as part of Mobius Method, specializing in learning and development, project management, and leadership and culture. Laura served as Program Director for the Byron Fellowship Educational Foundation from 2013 to 2021, managing the annual fellowship program while developing ongoing educational offerings to support a robust global community of alumni. Laura is a certified practitioner of the Systemic Leadership Coaching & Organizational Constellation methodology (dual-certified by the International Coaching Federation & the Center for Systemic Constellations) and continues to train as a constellations practitioner. Laura also serves on the board of Indiana Phenology, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Hoosiers of all ages to participate in citizen science and observe the timing and impact of seasonal changes in nature. She holds a Bachelor’s (BS) in Economics from Bentley University, and a Master’s in Environmental Science (MSES) and Public Affairs (MPA) from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs (O'Neill School).

 

JESSICA MAY
Program Associate
David H. Smith Conservation Fellowship Program
jmay@conbio.org 

Jessica May joined the Smith Fellows Program and the Society for Conservation Biology in June of 2023. Prior to working with Smith Fellows, Jessica gathered a blend of experience working alongside indigenous and international groups on-the-ground in field research and implementing conservation communications within local nonprofit startups. With a Bachelor's (BS) in Environmental Science and an Associate's (AA) in Social Science, she is passionate about engaging communities in conservation matters. Her work is dedicated to serving global issues by supporting and strengthening networks and empowering action.