Charlene Mauro is the Director of the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station. Through Pensacola State College, she teaches Marine Biology and Oceanography to area dual enrollment students who in turn educate young children that attend programs on site. In addition to serving as the Director of the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station, she serves as the first ever Science Specialist for the Santa Rosa County School District. Mrs. Mauro has successfully written grants to completely transform a vacant ranger station into a fully functional science field station. Knowing the immense positive impact that scientific research and teacher professional development has made on her career, Mrs. Mauro makes at least two professional presentations annually at local, state, and national levels. Past honors include EPA’s Presidential Award, National Marine Educator of the Year, Outstanding Florida High School Science Teacher of the Year, University of Florida Distinguished Educator, Gulf Guardian Award, University of West Florida Outstanding Young Alumnus, Sea World's Excellence in Environmental Education award and a finalist for Florida Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Mauro serves as a mentor for the UWF-Teach program and UWF STEM Scholars. She is an active member in professional and community groups including the Gulf Coast Ocean Observation Systems (GCOOS), National Marine Educators Association, National Science Teachers Association, and Rotary. By example, Charlene encourages her students to find their passion, seek opportunities, make a difference, and always continue to learn.