PTHS grad comes full circle in joining PTMSC board
Inspired by field trips to the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC) as a young student, Hans Daubenberger went on to become a biologist and recently joined the PTMSC board of directors.
“We couldn’t be more pleased that Hans has joined our board,” said Eric Harrington, PTMSC board president. “It’s exciting that the PTMSC played a key role in encouraging and nurturing Hans’ early intellectual curiosity about the shoreline environment.”
Graduating from Port Townsend High School in 1998, Daubenberger then attended the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology with a focus in marine studies. For the past two years he’s worked as a habitat biologist for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s Natural Resources Department.
As a new PTMSC board member, Daubenberger wants to see the organization continue to provide science experiences for young people, being as inclusive as possible for all kids and available to everyone. He still loves the touch tanks in the Marine Exhibit saying, “They inspire the imagination, making you really wonder what it’s like under the water.” True to his own words, he often spends weekends and days off diving in kelp beds in the straits and around the San Juan Islands.
Not only has Daubenberger come full circle from his early education at the PTMSC to becoming a board member, but Connie Welch, another board member, was also his second grade teacher! “And one of my all-time favorites,” he added.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center is devoted to understanding, preserving and teaching about our marine and shoreline environment as guardians for a sustainable future. Located on the beach at Fort Worden State Park, the PTMSC offers two public exhibits: the Marine Exhibit (ME) features large touch pools and aquaria, and the Natural History Exhibit (NHE) highlights the rich zone where land meets sea. Both exhibits are open Wednesday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for youth and free to PTMSC members. Currently there’s a featured exhibit on Plastics in the Marine Environment through the summer season. The PTMSC also offers a wide variety of educational programs and special events. For more information, call 360.385.5582, e-mail info@ptmsc.org or visit www.ptmsc.org.