Meg Lowman Attends Disney Leadership Conference

(October 28) - Dr. Meg Lowman, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at New College of Florida, was one of 38 education leaders from around the world who joined forces earlier this month to explore ways to lead, engage, and inspire others to protect biodiversity, the variety and complexity of life on Earth. World Wildlife Fund and Disney’s Animal Kingdom sponsored the International Leadership Institute for Biodiversity Education on October 11-16 at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.

The participants included public and private sector representatives from education, business and government. They came to the Leadership Institute from 18 states and 5 countries, after being invited based on their commitment to biodiversity education initiatives and their leadership roles in their communities. Now in its fifth year, the International Leadership Institute is designed to bring education leaders together to explore creative ways of enhancing biodiversity education and give them a solid grounding in leadership for biodiversity education and community change.

At the event, participants discussed current issues and trends in biodiversity, conservation, and education; enhanced their leadership skills by participating in communication exercises and examining case studies; explored tools and strategies for engaging people in biodiversity; and expanded their network of local, national, and international educators.  The five-day program included small group discussions, interactive exercises, guest speakers, and explorations of Disney’s Animal Kingdom, The Living Seas at Epcot, and The Nature Conservancy’s Disney Wilderness Preserve.

Recently appointed as New College’s first ever full-time Environmental Studies professor, Dr. Meg Lowman, joins the New College faculty after 11 years of service at Selby Gardens. Dr. Lowman offers to the New College faculty a wealth of knowledge in environmental issues. Her expertise involves canopy ecology, particularly plant-insect relationships, and spans over 25 years in Australia, Peru, Africa, the Americas, and the South Pacific. Dr. Lowman will also serve as Director of Environmental Initiatives, in which position she will oversee various outreach projects serving Sarasota County, and local public schools.

For more information on Dr. Lowman or the New College Environmental Studies program, please contact New College Public Affairs at (941) 359-4314.