Teacher Board Member

Native to LA, Benjamin Kay earned his B.S. in Aquatic Biology from UCSB, and then spent four years conducting marine research on the Great Barrier Reef through the University of Queensland, Centre for Marine Studies, Brisbane, Australia, where he earned his M.S. in Marine Biology. Benjamin, Marine Biology and Biology teacher at Santa Monica High School, dedicates his life to teaching his students about aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and the anthropogenic impacts that threaten their fragile existence.

As coach of a multiple eco-award winning student group, Team Marine, and lead advisor of the Solar Boat team, Heal the Bay Surfrider club, and Samohi Surfrider Teach & Test Program (ocean water quality monitoring), Benjamin helps engage youth in various environmental science service learning and outreach projects and eco-competitions, including the QuikScience Challenge, Edison Challenge, and Solar Cup.

Through numerous fieldtrips and project based, hands on experiential learning opportunities, Benjamin's students develop higherlevel thinking skills and the abilities to effectively communicate their ideas and employee the latest green technologies. Students cultivate both internal and community awareness about effective solutions to modernday challenges including the global marine debris, climate, and energy crises.