Kristi Birney is the instructor for Issues in Marine Conservation, a three-week course that surveys the major threats currently facing California marine ecosystems. Since receiving her master’s degree from UCSB’s Bren School of Environmental Science and Management in 2006, Birney has worked in multiple sectors including Environmental Scientist for California State Parks, Environmental Planner for Rincon Consultants, and Marine Conservation Director for the Environmental Defense Center. These roles provided her with experience in addressing a range of emerging ocean issues including marine protected areas, ocean planning, and protection of whales from marine shipping. For several years she represented the conservation community on the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council (SAC) and led the SAC’s Conservation Working Group. She currently serves the Bren School’s Associate Director of Career Development and Alumni Relations, where she works as a connector for changemakers in the environmental field including students, alumni, and employers. In her free time, Kristi is an avid water enthusiast, spending time surfing, taking excursions on a stand-up paddle board, and playing beach volleyball.