Laura is the Education and Outreach Coordinator at Mālama Maunalua, where she develops and leads environmental education, community engagement, and volunteer programs that connect people to the restoration of Maunalua Bay and inspire lifelong stewardship of Hawaiʻi’s natural resources.
Laura has dedicated her career to making science exciting and accessible and creating meaningful connections between people and place. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Marine Ecology and Conservation from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and her Master’s degree in Conservation Biology from Miami University, where her research focused on increasing awareness of threats to marine biodiversity.
Born and raised on Oʻahu, Laura enjoys surfing, diving, hiking, volunteering with local conservation organizations, and connecting with her community. Her passion for protecting Hawaiʻi’s natural resources continues to inspire her work in environmental education and conservation.
To contact Laura, please email lbailes@malamamaunalua.org.