Christine Hoekenga smiling at the camera with sunset on the beach behind her.

Christine Hoekenga

Christine joined the NMNH Department of Education and Outreach in the Fall of 2009 after having served as a Museum Specialist in the Office of the Sant Chair for Marine Science. She holds a dual bachelor’s degree in media studies and environmental science from Willamette University and a master’s degree in science communication from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Christine has experience working as an environmental journalist, a freelance science writer, and a conservation organizer and advocate for nonprofits. Despite growing up in land-locked Nevada, Christine is also an avid SCUBA diver with experience conducting marine research in the field and the lab.

Contributed Content

Learning from a Sea of Teachers

Each year, thousands of local teachers join us for Smithsonian Teachers’ Night.

Resolve to Protect the Ocean

A diver cares for the reef by cleaning up discarded fishing gear and garbage.

Be Kind to the Beach

A beach scene with groups of people walking in the water and playing with the sand.

From Sea to Shining Sea

Colorful fireworks go off over the water.

Helping Kids Help the Ocean

A beach clean-up in Malaysia brings young people together to care for their coastline.

Back to School, Ocean Portal Style

Students Work on Channel Island Map Project

Still Blue After a Century of Ocean Science and Exploration

The "Lower Invertebrates" exhibit in Smithsonian Institution Building in 1901 included models of a giant squid and an octopus.

This Flu Season, Thank a Horseshoe Crab

Horseshoe Crab in Stage Harbor, Massachusetts