Nicole Palma

Nicole Palma joined the Center for Ocean Leadership (COL) in November 2023 as the Program Specialist for the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). She focuses on implementing yearly NOSB activities, serving as the primary liaison for NOSB Regional Coordinators and Finals competition planning partners, leading NOSB communication efforts, and supporting COL's ocean education efforts. Prior to joining COL, Nicole was the Program Manager and Central Coast Specialist for the Marine Protected Area (MPA) Collaborative Network where she acted as a synergist between on-the-ground stakeholders and state managing agencies to support management and localized stewardship of California's network of 124 MPAs. Nicole has developed, coordinated, and facilitated science education and outreach programs for people of all ages in her roles with various non-profit organizations including the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, the Miami Science Barge, and Dream in Green.

Nicole holds a Master of Professional Science Degree in Marine Ecosystems and Society from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science. Her graduate project with the National Park Service’s South Florida/Caribbean Network focused on establishing a pilot protocol for utilizing 3D modeling techniques to inventory and monitor to coral reefs. Nicole received a Bachelor of Arts Degree also from the University of Miami where she majored in Environmental Science and Policy as well as Biology. She holds a Nonprofit Management Certificate from the University of San Diego and completed the Leadership Cohort of Thrive Outside San Diego’s Leaders for Outdoor Equity Series.