Courtney Coburn

Administrative Director of Education

Instructor - PD009 Public Speaking & Controversy of Animals in Professional Care   

Courtney Coburn is the Administrative Director of Education at Dolphin Research Center.  Courtney's passion for the ocean and marine life began at the early age of three when she met Sammy the Sea Lion on a visit to Miami Seaquarium.  Visits to SeaWorld of Ohio throughout her childhood continued fueling her love of dolphins and marine mammals.  She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Biology, with a minor in Marine Science, from Wittenberg University in May 2007.  

Courtney joined the Dolphin Research Center family in September 2009, as an Education Program Host, responsible for the daily education of public guests, groups, and school children, as well as conducting outreach events and coordinating education programs on-site.  Her knowledge and responsibilities increased, and eventually provided the opportunity to become the Assistant Director of Education, and from there to her current position.  Courtney is the Chair of DRC’s Conservation Committee and serves on the Signage Committee which creates interactive and educational signage on DRC grounds. Courtney is an active participant in the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums, specifically among the educator group.  She attends the annual Educators meeting, assists in creating the Alliance fact sheets, and continues to find ways to become more involved.  Courtney also teaches courses and labs for the DRC Training Institute.  In 2011, she had the privilege to be involved in the training department at DRC as a handler, and also assists the Research team when needed with some of DRC's observational research studies.