Dr. Jonathan Harris is Director of Education and Outreach for the Northern Gulf Institute at Mississippi State University, where he leads interdisciplinary programs connecting science, education, research, and coastal communities. He holds a B.S. in Geology and M.S. in Applied Geophysics from Mississippi State, advanced training in oceanography, and a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems and Workforce Development with an emphasis in Science Education. As a licensed educator and Mississippi Professional Geologist, Harris brings more than 25 years of experience spanning geology, marine geophysics, higher education, project management, STEM education, and field operations. His work includes leadership of MSU's Gulf Scholars Program and MSU-SEAS, development of experiential coastal education programs, grant-funded research and outreach, teacher professional development, and partnerships with NOAA and other Gulf-focused organizations.