Laila is the Education Outreach Specialist for the Dragonfly Mercury Project (DMP), a national participatory science initiative coordinated by Schoodic Institute. Based in Denver, Colorado, Laila works with the National Park Service. In her current role, Laila develops curriculum for middle and high school students across the country, supporting their participation in the DMP and strengthening scientific literacy across academic disciplines. She also facilitates sampling activities in park units, engages student groups in hands-on field science, and serves as a liaison for the public and governmental partners.
Laila brings extensive experience facilitating outreach activities for learners of all ages. Prior to joining the DMP, she worked at the Denver Art Museum and the CU Museum of Natural History, expanding access to informal learning opportunities for varied audiences and connecting diverse communities with experiential museum resources. She also has a strong background working in rural schools throughout Texas and Colorado, connecting rural communities with academically rigorous educational resources from museums and universities.
She holds a Master’s degree in Museum & Field Studies with a specialization in Education & Access from the University of Colorado Boulder, a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology & Infectious Disease from the University of Texas at Austin, and licensures from the Texas Education Agency in 6–12 Science Education.
