Mele Wheaton

Bio

Dr. Mele Wheaton is the senior research scholar in the laboratory of Prof. Nicole Ardoin. Her research interests include learning in out-of-school contexts, pro-environmental behavior, and nature-based tourism. As lead on a variety of projects, Mele has studied behavior change in ecotourists in Galapagos and California, environmental identity and action in high-school students participating in an intensive conservation education program, and professional development in environmental educators.

Academic Appointments

• Social Science Research Scholar, Initiative Centers & Program
• Academic Research Staff, Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment

Administrative Appointments

• Social Science Research Scholar, Graduate School of Education (2017 - Present)
• Social Science Research Associate, Graduate School of Education (2015 - 2017)
• Postdoctoral Scholar, Graduate School of Education and Woods Institute for the Environment (2011 - 2015)

Honors & Awards

• Chancellor’s Dissertation Year Fellowship, University of California, Santa Cruz (2009-2010)
• Fellowship, Robert and Patricia Switzer Foundation (2008)
• Graduate Research Fellowship, Center for Informal Learning and Schools (2004-2008)

Professional Education

• BA, University of California, Santa Cruz, Biology Environmental Studies (1996)
• PhD, University of California, Santa Cruz, Education (Emphasis in Science and Math) (2011)