Under the sea Michelle Sweeney and the UCLA Marine Discovery Center staff look to raise awareness for the environment and preservation efforts of Santa Monica Bay with their hands-on exhibits and instructional classes By Dharshani Dharmawardena Daily Bruin Contributor Peering into one of the giant fish tanks one day, a little girl showed Michelle Sweeney, community relations coordinator at the UCLA Marine Discovery Center, the sky beneath the sea. As she stood at a display featuring sea stars and fish called half-moons, Sweeney recalled the child's revelation.
Kids are so profound.
Working at the center, Sweeney is just one member of a team that helps both children and adults understand and enjoy the Santa Monica marine environment and its animals. In addition to offering living exhibits of the ocean, the center also sponsors beach clean-ups and field trips. Sweeney said she hoped that by participating in such activities, both children and adults would aim to preserve the environment. It makes me more eager. Throughout the week, Sweeney coordinates the staff, teaches classes and facilitates public programs at the center.