Julie Cisneros holds a B.A. in Environmental Sustainability and an M.S. in Geoscience, with academic research spanning sea turtle nesting, hurricanes, and natural disasters. She’s also actively engaged with the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) and has conducted research on the impacts of forest fires on the water column, exploring how these events alter aquatic ecosystems and affect water quality. With extensive teaching experience across the Earth sciences, Professor Cisneros has taught courses in environmental science, oceanography, geology, geography, and earth science. Her instructional approach emphasizes real-world relevance and critical thinking, encouraging students to discover meaningful connections between scientific principles and everyday life. Originally from North Carolina, she has called Florida home since 2013. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys beach outings, sports, and global travel. She’s a proud mother of four—three daughters currently serving in the Navy, a son who served in the Army, and is a grandmother of two. Her adventures have taken her hiking volcanoes in Hawaii, swimming with sharks, and trekking through jungles in Panama and Guam. Prof. Cisneros believes that education should ignite curiosity and transform how students engage with the world. She fosters a supportive environment where students can think critically and gain confidence in their academic growth. Her ultimate goal is to inspire thoughtful problem-solvers equipped to contribute meaningfully to their fields and communities.