Laurel Zaima-Sheehy is the Associate Director of Pre-College & Partner Programs at the Columbia Climate School. Laurel has substantial experience working with youth, teaching students and educators through informal education about the natural environment through hands-on, experiential learning.
At the Climate School, she leads the development, implementation, and growth of the School's pre-college education portfolio. She designs innovative climate and sustainability programs, develops curriculum grounded in experiential and evidence-based pedagogy, oversees program strategy and marketing, evaluates educational impact, and creates engaging learning experiences that empower young people to understand and address climate challenges. Through the Climate School's Office of Engagement and Impact, she also cultivates and manages strategic partnerships with schools, universities, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and other external collaborators to expand access to climate and sustainability education and develop new educational initiatives.
As an educator, Laurel develops and leads education initiatives that communicate topics of sustainability, climate change, sea level rise, and climate action to high school students, educators, and community partners through immersive, place-based learning experiences. Laurel has developed, led, and supported several of the Climate School's flagship experiential education programs, including the Columbia Climate School in the Green Mountains Pre-College Program, the Secondary School Field Research Program (SSFRP), the Next Generation of Hudson River Educators Program, and other research and field-based learning opportunities that connect students with climate science, sustainability, and climate solutions. Her work also focuses on assessing the effectiveness of experiential, field-based, and place-based pedagogies to better understand their impact on student learning, confidence, and climate action.
In addition, Laurel is Co-Director of the Climate Education for a Resilient Future Earth Network, which aims to address the urgent need for climate education and empowerment through education co-development and partnerships across Columbia University and beyond. She works closely with educators, researchers, and community organizations to advance high-quality climate education resources and collaborative initiatives. Laurel also served as the U.S. Board President and instructor of the Terranaut Club from 2020–2024, a nonprofit organization committed to providing science and environmental education opportunities for young women and gender minorities through immersive experiences in STEM and nature.
Laurel holds a B.S. in Marine Science and Biology from the University of Miami and an M.S. in Sustainability Science from Columbia University.
