Kaitlin McConnell

Katie is a marine biologist from California and an award-winning big wave surfer currently residing on Oahu. Her research and service interests are in long term ecological monitoring and risk in marine systems, and co-development of climate change adaptation strategies for vulnerable coastal communities. She has been a scientific diver for over 10 years and has worked for projects all over the world: from under the ice in Antarctica to tropical coral reefs, throughout rugged and remote Patagonian fjordlands, and amidst North America's both tranquil and tempestuous kelp forests.

Katie earned her MS in Microbiology from Oregon State University in 2019, BS in Marine Biology from UC Santa Cruz in 2012 and has made nearly 600 dives. She is also a former California State Beach Lifeguard, and current NOLS Wilderness First Responder. She is fluent in both English and Spanish, and can speak some Portuguese, and understand basic French.

Katie loves to be out in nature and tries to live life with curiosity. She is excited to join Lindblad Expeditions in their mission to provide unforgettable experiences in the spirit of exploration and discovery.