Discovering Nature And Self

Celebrating its tenth anniversary this month, Ocean Discovery Institute (ODI, formerly Aquatic Adventures) provides tuition-free hands-on science programs to over 6,000 under-served and at-risk youths each year. Director and founder Shara Fisler was an instructor in physical and biological oceanography and evolutionary biology at the University of San Diego for nine years. “Connecting to the environment not only helps to give people a sense of place but also a sense of connectivity to others and greater systems. It helps the students who have quite complicated lives to find peace, perspective and purpose.” (858/488-3849, www.oceandiscoveryinstitute.org)     MIA STEFANKO