Anesti Vega is an award‑winning educator who creates inclusive, experiential pathways into ocean science and exploration for learners of all backgrounds.
Anesti Vega’s Academic Background
Master’s in Education (M.Ed.) Candidate (2027) - Harvard Graduate School of Education
Concentration in Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entreprenuership (ELOE)
Bachelor’s (B.S.) in Interdisciplinary Science (2026) - Florida Institute of Technology
Concentration in Ocean Engineering & Marine Science (OEMS), Minors in Biology & Sustainability
ΒΒΒ Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society Member
ΛΠΗ Lambda Pi Eta Communications Honor Society Member
PARTNERS IN ACADEMIC GUEST LECTURES
& CoMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS
Partnerships & Consultations
University of Southern California (USC) - Early‑stage consultant and guest lecturer for the Scientific Diving Discovery Program, shaping curriculum and student pathways
Bowling Green State University - Consulted on the development of university scuba program, from standard operating procedures and finance/budgeting to programming development
The Nature Conservancy - Conducted a Feasibility Study to support California Indigenous tribes in scientific diving and kelp forest restoration; advised on culturally responsive training
National Aquarium (Baltimore) - Provided expertise for the award‑winning Voyages immersive event series, integrating ocean science, storytelling, and community engagement
Everglades Foundation - Contributed to Stories from Across the Watershed docuseries, highlighting the ecological connection between the Everglades and Florida’s coral reef tract
Reef Check Worldwide - Consultant for the “Dive Into Science” scholarship program; developed strengths‑based application processes and culturally competent training frameworks
American Academy of Underwater Sciences Foundation - Diversity & Outreach Committee; co‑designed national scientific diving scholarship and inclusive program development
National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) - Diversity Subcommittee; contributed to scholarship development and inclusive representation in training materials
Black in Marine Science (BIMS) - Co‑Instructor for inaugural scuba diving scholarship cohort; supported curriculum design and student mentorship
Academic & University Lectures
● University of Southern California (USC) - Guest Lecturer, Scientific Diving Discovery Program (2021–2024)
● Florida Institute of Technology - Guest Lectures on human factors, community science, neutral buoyancy in astronaut training, and scientific diving (2020–2024)
● Florida Tech Scuba Distinguished Lecture Series - Host and Moderator (2020–2023)
● St. George’s University (Grenada) - Guest Lecturer on SCUBA & Ecology (2024)
● Bowling Green State University - Guest Lecturer, Professional Development in SCUBA (2022)
● University of California, Davis - Guest Lecturer, Professional Development in Marine Science (2020)
● Chabot College - Guest Lecturer, STEM Careers Within SCUBA (2019)
Note: This list represents a curated portion of all venues and initiatives that have been presented at. Please visit the MEDIA page for examples of previous talks and presentations.