Maria Wheeler-Dubas

Maria Wheeler-Dubas is an experienced professional in science education and conservation, currently serving as the Founder of Backyard Nature since June 2022, where Maria develops nature programs and educates participants through a nonprofit initiative. Simultaneously, Maria has held the position of Science Education Outreach Manager at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens since September 2016, managing science communication, organizing events, and coordinating educational programs. Previous roles include Science Education Outreach Coordinator at Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Museum Educator at Duquesne University, and Instructor positions at various institutions focusing on animal behavior and mammalian anatomy. Maria completed a Ph.D. in Biology at Duquesne University, where their research concentrated on the population genetics of North American golden and bald eagles, and earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Otterbein University.