About The Instructor

Katharine Edmonson brings over 25 years of science teaching experience, having served with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools in Kern County. Her dedication to education has earned her the “Teacher of the Year” award twice. In addition to her extensive teaching background, Katharine occasionally works as a seasonal biologist, conducting surveys for endangered species in the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert.

Before becoming a credentialed instructor, Katharine worked under Dr. Aryan Roest as the curator of the mammalogy collection at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In this role, she meticulously cleaned and cataloged numerous specimens, making significant contributions to the University’s collection.

Katharine’s passion for skulls and science began in high school and deepened through her volunteer work at the Los Angeles County Natural History Museum’s warehouse in Vernon, CA. There, she collaborated with graduate students to clean and catalog a wide range of specimens, including skins, skulls, and bones from various animal species, covering both marine mammals and exotic animals.

Her extensive experience in both educational and field settings, combined with a lifelong dedication to the study of animal anatomy and ecology, highlights her deep commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and engaging students in the wonders of the natural world.

The skull collection is authorized through an Individual Scientific Collecting Permit (GW-240230006-24028-001) issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.