About SeaTrek

History

Located in Sarasota, Florida, Mote Aquarium participated in distance learning demonstrations as early as 1994, allowing students at sites as far away as England to drive a ROV Mote’s shark tank. In 1996, Mote Aquarium began its own distance program utilizing state-of-the-art videoconferencing technology. This program became known as SeaTrek.

Our mission: to bring the ocean world to students through innovative delivery of interactive science education programs and foster understanding of marine life and an appreciation for conserving the marine environment.

From 1999-2001, SeaTrek received three consecutive Technology Literacy Challenge Fund grants [link]. TLCF allowed us to expand videoconferencing infrastructure to 39 schools in 21 Florida school districts. We also perform programs for national and international audiences.

Mote Marine Laboratory has been a PIN-site for the JASON Expeditions since its inception in 1989. Distance Learning coordinates the JASON Expeditions at Mote.

In 2004, Mote's Distance Learning Program was officially moved from under the Aquarium and Special Projects Division. We are now under the reorganized Education Division as the Center for Distance Learning .

Present

Keating Marine Education Center: This new two-story, over-parking structure houses two state-of-the-art distance learning/videoconferencing studios, education curricula development offices, classrooms, and a new maritime operations center to coordinate the Laboratory’s oceanographic operations.
 

Staff Highlight

KASEY, SeaTrek Presenter: Originally hailing from North Dakota, Kasey attended Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. She graduated from Minnesota State University - Moorhead with a B.A. in Biology (2001). Shortly thereafter, Kasey did an internship at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Dolphin & Whale/Sea Turtle Hospital, working with a pygmy sperm whale, a rough-toothed dolphin and several species of sea turtles (green, loggerhead, & Kemp’s ridley). Following her internship, she became an Apprentice Trainer at Marineland of Florida, working with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, African penguins and California sealions.

As long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to live and work by the ocean. The life there has always fascinated and intrigued me. I was determined and never lost sight of my dream, so here I am!

In 2002, Kasey joined SeaTrek as our primary videoconference presenter. She also coordinates JASON Expedition activities at Mote and is currently seeking a Master’s Degree in science education.

CONTACT: Kasey <kasey@mote.org>, 941-388-4441 x 263.