Harley Peters
Valparaiso,FL
Summary
Innovative science communicator skilled in developing engaging educational programs, workshops, and exhibits for diverse audiences. Expertise in curriculum design and fostering community partnerships to expand access to STEAM education. Strong program management capabilities combined with effective communication and leadership, dedicated to advancing equity and accessibility in education while promoting sustainability and science literacy.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Education Coordinator & Exhibit Curator
Emerald Coast Science Center
Fort Walton Beach, FL
12.2025 - Current
- Developed and taught engaging educational programs for diverse audiences at a science center.
- Planned and developed educational programs, courses, workshops and other learning activities.
- Collaborated with educators to create interactive learning programs for students.
- Fostered partnerships with local schools to promote STEM education opportunities.
- Coordinated logistics for workshops, ensuring smooth execution and resource availability.
- Organized community events to promote science education and awareness.
- Collaborated with staff to create interactive exhibits that enhance visitor experiences.
- Performed daily and weekly maintenance on broken exhibits to ensure optimal visitor engagement.
- Curated collections that highlight regional biodiversity and conservation efforts.
- Contributed to grant researching efforts.
- Attended seminars, workshops and conventions to remain current on educational research and statistics impacting educational standards.
Educator & Community Affairs Coordinator
Emerald Coast Science Center
Fort Walton Beach, USA
08.2019 - 12.2025
- Designed and led innovative workshops, summer camps, and outreach experiences for thousands of students.
- Led community engagement through partnerships with schools, libraries, and nonprofits to enhance science access.
- Developed and delivered engaging hands-on science programming for all ages adhering to Florida science standards.
- Managed diverse collection of live ambassador animals, enriching educational programming with reptiles and mammals for enhanced learner engagement.
- Oversaw volunteer orientation and training programs, fostering a committed support team that strengthened operational effectiveness.
- Represented center at local, state, and national levels to advocate for sustainability and science literacy.
- Coordinated participation in special programs like Little Adventures and professional conferences, expanding outreach and community engagement.
- Supported exhibit design by prototyping interactive displays and integrating visitor feedback effectively.
Agriculture Technician III
Florida Department of Agriculture: Plant Industry
Gainesville, USA
08.2017 - 07.2019
- Coordinated shipping of biological control organisms from laboratory to field, facilitating timely and effective release.
- Managed biweekly rearing of parasitoid strain, ensuring pest contamination prevention and strain viability.
- Safely collected tamarixia radiata and asian citrus psyllid for propagation and release.
- Maintained greenhouses through pest control, transplanting, seed processing, temperature monitoring, and watering.
Laboratory Technician I
Florida Department of Agriculture: Plant Industry
Gainesville, USA
01.2017 - 08.2017
- Conducted biological control research on imported fire ants and Argentine cactus moths.
- Maintained phorid fly attack boxes, enhancing pest management effectiveness.
- Oversaw feeding and separation of parasitized ant colonies, ensuring optimal research outcomes.
- Assisted in phorid fly production, emergence, and sex ratio assessments using a microscope.
- Monitored environmental parameters to ensure suitable rearing conditions for parasitoids.
- Identified and extracted parasitized caterpillars to promote proper emergence.
- Coordinated specialized experiments to further research on parasitoids and pest interactions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Biology- Pre-Professional Track
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL04-2017
Associate of Arts -
Gulf Coast State College
Panama City, FL07-2014
Skills
- Program development
- Curriculum design
- Workshop coordination
- Exhibit planning
- Community engagement
- STEM advocacy
- Program management
- Staff training
- Volunteer management
- Public speaking
- Team collaboration
- Educational display design
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Certification
Certificate: Climate Smart Floridians- UF IFAS
Accomplishments
Lead ECSC to become Outstanding Partner for Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network 2023-2025
Affiliations
Destin–Fort Walton Beach Sea Turtle Patrol Team Member (2024–Present)
Timeline
Education Coordinator & Exhibit Curator
Emerald Coast Science Center
12.2025 - Current
Educator & Community Affairs Coordinator
Emerald Coast Science Center
08.2019 - 12.2025
Agriculture Technician III
Florida Department of Agriculture: Plant Industry
08.2017 - 07.2019
Laboratory Technician I
Florida Department of Agriculture: Plant Industry
01.2017 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Biology- Pre-Professional Track
University of Florida
Associate of Arts -
Gulf Coast State College