Dave Bader has more than two decades of experience in informal science education and has played an integral role in developing and managing educational programs since beginning his career in 1998. As Chief Operations & Education Officer at the Marine Mammal Care Center, Dave is responsible for supporting staff and programming, including education, guest experience and hospital operations.

Throughout his career, Dave has created a suite of capacity-building opportunities for staff, university and agency scientists, and for informal science educators throughout the country. His diverse experience and background in marine science, conservation programming (including a program to save vaquitas from extinction), and education programming are the backbone of his passion for creating inclusive learning environments for youth and our community. He applies his extensive knowledge of science, marine biology, pedagogy, and inclusion in every aspect of MMCC’s education programming.

Dave has a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from the University of California at Santa Cruz and a master’s degree in biology with an emphasis on educational media design from the University of California at Irvine.