Bethany Holtz, M.S.
Marine Biologist, Educator, Conservationist

Welcome! I’m Bethany Holtz, a biologist, educator, and conservationist dedicated to advancing our understanding and protection of marine and terrestrial ecosystems. My work combines scientific research, innovative teaching, and active community outreach, with a focus on promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

 

Academic and Research Background

I hold a Master of Science in Biology from Saint Joseph’s University (Summa Cum Laude, 2020) and a Bachelor’s of Science in Environmental Science from Gettysburg College (Magna Cum Laude, 2016). My research centers on the behavioral ecology of endangered sea turtles and diamondback terrapins, with a strong focus on sensory ecology—how animals perceive and interact with their environment. I am particularly intrigued by how anthropogenic changes disrupt instinctive behaviors. By examining acoustic and visual stimuli, my work has highlighted how both natural and human-made sounds influence hatchling orientation, shedding light on the challenges these species face in dynamic coastal environments.

 

Through collaborations with wildlife conservation organizations and academic institutions, I conduct field-based research that informs and enhances conservation practices and policies. This work has led to several peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences, contributing valuable insights to the field of behavioral ecology and conservation.

 

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Teaching and Mentorship

As an educator, I’m passionate about inspiring the next generation of scientists and conservationists. I’ve taught science across a wide spectrum of age groups, from elementary school students to college undergraduates. As a LINKS Fellow at the Wagner Free Institute of Science in Philadelphia, I developed and implemented engaging, hands-on STEM lessons for young learners and led after-school programs aimed at building foundation knowledge in science. These initiatives included launching a STEM club for upper elementary students, where I combined creativity with practical experiments to cultivate enthusiasm for scientific inquiry.

 

At the collegiate level, I have served as a Teaching Assistant in both Environmental Science and Art at Gettysburg College. I contributed to lab instruction, assisted with research projects, and provided mentorship to students, emphasizing the intersection of scientific rigor and creativity. My roles included guiding laboratory exercises in Earth System Science and facilitating technical skill development in Photography.

 

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education should be interactive and adaptive, meeting students where they are while challenging them to reach their full potential. Whether in the classroom, the lab, or the field, I seek to inspire learners by connecting academic concepts to real-world applications, particularly in the realms of conservation and environmental science.

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Conservation Outreach

Engaging communities in conservation and fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife has always been central to my work. One of my most impactful contributions has been leading the global Sea Turtle Week campaign as part of my role with SEE Turtles. This annual initiative has grown to include over 100 partner organizations across 40+ countries, uniting conservationists, researchers, and educators to raise awareness about sea turtles and the challenges they face. I spearheaded the campaign’s expansion, securing grants, managing budgets, hiring and supervising interns, and coordinating diverse programming. Highlights include organizing international contests, launching a YouTube video series, and developing educational resources, such as children’s lesson plans for grades K-12.

 

Through this work, I’ve not only amplified the voices of conservation organizations but also created innovative ways to engage the public. By redesigning the Sea Turtle Week website and managing its social media channels, I successfully expanded our reach and strengthened our messaging, fostering global participation in conservation efforts. Furthermore, my desire to bring Sea Turtle Week offline by encouraging partners to hold in person events and by collaborating with Oceanic Society on the 2023 and 2024 Global Ocean Cleanup led to the removal of 83 tons of trash from sea turtle beaches.

 

In addition to my outreach campaigns, I am deeply passionate about conservation photography as a powerful tool for storytelling and advocacy. My photography, showcased in juried exhibitions and publications, highlights the beauty and vulnerability of wildlife and habitats, drawing attention to critical environmental issues. Projects like my double-exposure photo essay, Lens on Habitat Destruction, merge artistic expression with scientific themes, proving a visual narrative that resonates with audiences beyond traditional conservation circles.

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Through my outreach and photography, I strive to connect people to the natural world, inspire environmental stewardship, and advance efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.

 

My Vision

I believe that science is most powerful when shared. Whether it’s through hands-on classroom experiments, fieldwork alongside students, or international conservation collaborations, I’m dedicated to bridging the gap between research and public engagement. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for our planet.

 

Let’s connect and explore how science and conservation can make a difference in our world.​

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