About Laura
Throughout my life I have sought opportunities to combine my love of science, art, and adventure. The more I learned, the more I began to understand the importance of conservation and sustainability. I strive to make eco-conscious choices for as many aspects of my life as possible, from what I eat to how I travel, plan events and design research and educational activities. Art and science are extraordinarily complementary fields; through science, I seek to understand the beauty of nature. Though most of my academic training has been in science, I have always made time to improve and expand my skills in illustration, art, and design.
After earning my PhD in 2008 I embarked on a variety of research, education and consulting projects in addition to renewing my artistic passions. Throughout these pages you will find examples of the projects and passtimes I have taken on. For an overview of these see Portfolio. For more details on my consulting services, see Consulting.
Academic and Professional Preparation
Education
- PhD: University of California, Los Angeles- Biology (Sensory anatomy and physiology of stingrays)
- BS: Cornell University- Biology (Marine science and illustration)
Postdoctoral Positions
- California Institute of Technology, postdoctoral scholar in bioengineering
- Florida Atlantic University, postdoctoral research scientist, shark lab
Research Publications
- Jordan, L.K., 2008. Journal of Morphology Comparative morphology of stingray lateral line canal and electrosensory systems.
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Jordan, L.K., Kajiura, S.M., and Gordon, M.S. 2009. Functional consequences of structural differences in stingray sensory systems. Part I: mechanosensory lateral line canals.
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Jordan, L.K., Kajiura, S.M., and Gordon, M.S. 2009. Functional consequences of structural differences in stingray sensory systems. Part II: electrosensory system.
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Lauritzen, D.V., Hertel, F., Gordon, M.S., and Jordan, L.K. 2010. Salmon jumping: behaviour, kinematics, and optimal conditions, with possible implications for fish passageway design.
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Jordan, L.K., Mandelman, J.W., and Kajiura, S.M. 2011. Behavioral responses to weak electric fields and a lanthanide metal in two shark species.
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Jordan, L.K., Mandelman, J.W., McComb, D.M., Fordham, S.V., Carlson J.K., and Werner, T. Linking sensory biology and fisheries bycatch reduction in elasmobranch fishes: a review with new directions for research
University Teaching Experience
- UCLA: Lecturer, Living Oceans. Undergraduate, non-majors General Education with discussion section
- Mira Costa College: Associate Professor, Marine Biology. Undergraduate majors & non-majors, with lab
- UCLA: Instructor, Myths and truths of elasmobranch biology. Undergraduate GE writing/discussion based course
- Shoals Marine Laboratory: Teaching assistant, Underwater research
- UCLA: Teaching Assistant, Marine vertebrate ecophysioogy, Vertebrate biology, Marine science, Vertebrate morphology, Life: Concepts & Issues
- Shoals Marine Laboratory: Teaching assistant, Field marine science
- Cornell University: Undergraduate teaching assistant, Biochemistry
To learn about classes I have designed and taught at the University level, including sample syllabi, see Undergraduate Course: Living Oceans for a lecture based class and Undergraduate Seminar: Sharks, skates, and rays, oh my! Myths and truths of elasmobranch biology for a writing seminar.
High School Teaching Experience
- Sea Education Association: Teaching assistant, Oceanography of the Southern California Bight, Marine ecology
- The Webb Schools: Instructor, Biology
- Phillips Exeter Academy: Teaching intern, Biology & Marine biology
For an example of a high school level curriculum I designed, see 9th grade level introduction to biology and integrative science
Other Teaching, Outreach, and Outdoor Education Activities
- World Below the Waves: Co-founder, workshop development, website design
- Operation Wallacea: Science coordinator, coral reef ecology instructor, SCUBA
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps: Volunteer educator and aquarist, Marine biology & conservation
- San Diego Oceans Foundation: Instructor & volunteer, Marine vertebrate biology, snorkeling tours
- Stoked Los Angeles: Volunteer, snowboarding
- Shoals Marine Lab & UCLA: Diving & teaching assistant, AAUS SCUBA diving certification
- Wrigley Marine Science Center: Graduate intern, lab tours, snorkeling, kayaking
- Rustic Pathways: Consultant- marine biology program, SCUBA diving
- Longacre Expeditions: Staff, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing/snowboarding
Want to learn more about Laura?
For more details on my education, research and teaching experience please see: