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. 

 

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

Jessica May joined the Smith Fellows Program and Society for Conservation Biology in June 2023. Prior to SCB, Jessica gathered a blend of experience from on-the-ground field research to conservation communications in the nonprofit sector. With a BS in Environmental Science and an AA in Social Science, she is passionate about engaging communities in conservation matters. Her work is dedicated to serving global issues by supporting teams and inspiring action.