Meet Katie: Science Teacher, Ocean Explorer & Atlantic Edge Divemaster

John Harman   Oct 23, 2026

Some people go to Australia and come home with souvenirs. Katie came home wanting scuba lessons.

While studying at the University of Maryland, Katie joined a research trip to the Great Barrier Reef, where daily snorkeling convinced her that life would be even better below the surface. In 2007, she earned her Open Water certification with Atlantic Edge—and her underwater adventures were officially underway!

Australia soon called her back. Katie spent a couple of years earning her master's degree in marine biology, advancing to Rescue Diver and getting her boating license along the way.

Back in the States, a substitute teaching job turned into a lasting career when she stepped in for a departing science teacher. Today, Katie heads her school's science department, teaches AP and Honors Biology, and started marine biology and zoology courses. She also leads the school's international travel program. Basically, if there's science or a passport involved, Katie is interested.

In August 2023, she became a Divemaster, combining two of her favorite things: helping students and spending more time underwater. She loves diving's mix of peace, excitement and discovery. Wetsuits, however? Those remain a less enthusiastic relationship.

Her favorite dive sites include Lizard Island in Australia and Tent Reef in Saba. Her wish list stretches from the Red Sea to the Galápagos and Maldives, with Fakarava's grouper spawning thrown in for good marine-science measure.

On land, Katie enjoys hiking, reading, traveling and hanging out with her dog Byron, named after Byron Bay, Australia. She's also quietly recruiting her nieces and nephews as future dive buddies.

And when scuba isn't enough water time, she's training for the Nevis-to-St. Kitts swim, aiming for March 2027.

Whether she's teaching biology or helping a new diver, Katie loves sharing the excitement of discovering something new. Just give her a little extra time to wrestle into that wetsuit!