MEET THE TEAM
Laura M. R. Jim
Co-Director, HPA Sea Turtle Research Program
Marine Studies Program Coordinator
PADI Instructor, Marine Studies Educator
Member, IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group
Laura is an experienced educator at Hawai‘i Preparatory Academy where she teaches marine biology with a focus on coral reef ecology and scuba diving. She also co-directs the school’s Sea Turtle Research and Stranding Program. Laura holds a B.S. in Biology from the University of Oregon and has a diverse background, including serving as a Peace Corps fish culture specialist in the Congo and as a marine aquaculture agent and instructor in Micronesia. A dedicated environmentalist, she actively supports fishing line recycling and coastal cleanups on Hawai‘i Island. Through immersive, field-based experiences, she inspires her students to engage in marine conservation and stewardship.
Marc R. Rice
Co-Director, HPA Sea Turtle Research Program
Member, IUCN Marine Turtle Specialist Group
Marc began teaching Marine Science at the Hawaii Preparatory academy (HPA) in 1971. Over the course of a 53 year career at HPA he has taught courses in chemistry, biology, ecology, marine biology, ornithology, physical science, SCUBA diving and many others. He has been part of the HPA administrative team since 1976 serving as department chairman, Director of Studies, Assistant Headmaster, WASC Coordinator, Director of Information Technology and Director of Sea Turtle Research Program. He is deeply committed to the study of the marine environment and marine conservation. Since 1987, Marc has been Director and now (2022) Co-director of the HPA Sea Turtle Research Program (STRP). He has worked cooperatively with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Marine Fisheries Service and conducted/been part of over 365 field expeditions to capture, tag, measure and assess green, hawksbill, loggerhead and olive ridley turtles in the Pacific ocean. The majority of his work with sea turtles has taken place on Hawaii Island but he has worked extensively on Oahu, Maui, Molokai, Lanai and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. In addition to Hawaii, he has conducted sea turtle research projects in Japan, Australia, American Samoa, New Caledonia, Palmyra Atoll, Republic of Vanuatu, Fiji and Midway Atoll. Marc Retired from HPA in 2024 but he remains active in sea turtle research and the HPA STRP.