SEANTIST
RESEARCH - TEACHING - SCIENCE COMMUNICATION - PHOTOGRAPHY
Conservation Based
Research
Inspiring Future Scientists
Sharing A Love Of Our
Oceans
What I Do
Conservation Research
Bethany Holtz’s conservation research focuses on the behavioral ecology of endangered sea turtles and diamondback terrapins, with a particular interest in sensory ecology or how animals interact with & within their environment. She is keenly interested in how anthropogenic changes to the natural world interferes with instinctive behaviors. Focusing on acoustic and visual stimuli, her work thus far has demonstrated how environmental and human-made sounds can influence hatchling orientation, offering critical insights into challenges faced by these species in coastal environments. Through partnerships with wildlife conservation organizations and academic institutions, Bethany conducts field-based research that informs conservation practices and policies.
Teaching
Bethany Holtz is an experienced educator, having taught science across age groups from elementary to college level. As a LINKS Fellow at the Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia, she developed hands-on STEM lessons for young students and led after-school programs, fostering curiosity and engagement in early science education. At the college level, she served as a Teaching Assistant in Environmental Science and Art at Gettysburg College, where she supported lab instruction, guided research projects, and mentored students in both scientific and creative subjects. Her approach emphasizes interactive learning to inspire students at all stages of learning.
Science Communication
Bethany Holtz is deeply committed to science outreach, blending education, advocacy, and creativity to inspire conservation awareness. As coordinator for Sea Turtle Week, she expanded the program internationally, partnering with over 100 organizations to educate the public on sea turtle conservation through events, online campaigns, and community resources. She also leads STEM initiatives for young students, designing engaging, hands-on science lessons and after-school programs to spark curiosity and build foundational knowledge in environmental science. In addition, Bethany’s wildlife photography showcases the beauty and diversity of marine life, allowing her to share compelling visuals that highlight conservation issues and foster a personal connection to the natural world.
Meet the Sea-n-tist:
Bethany Holtz is a marine biologist and environmental scientist specializing in the behavioral ecology of endangered sea turtles, diamondback terrapins, and other turtle species. Her research explores sensory biology questions aimed at understanding how animals interact with their environment, as well as investigating ways in which human actions have altered these behaviors. Looking at the impacts of acoustic and visual cues on hatchling navigation and orientation, her work has shed light on how environmental and anthropogenic sounds influence chelonian behaviors. Through partnerships with wildlife conservation organizations and academic institutions, Bethany conducts field-based research that informs conservation practices and policies. She is dedicated to raising awareness on marine species protection and bridging research with community education and global conservation initiatives. Bethany is a lead author on multiple studies and has presented her findings at international conferences. She brings over a decade of experience in scientific research and outreach, including work with the National Aquarium in Baltimore, SEE Turtles Inc., and other conservation groups. Bethany’s outreach efforts span community education, youth STEM programming, and social media advocacy, particularly for conservation campaigns.
