Alix Cotumaccio

Alix Cotumaccio started her journey into the world of science and education early on as she explored the woods, lakes, and coastal areas where she grew up in Connecticut. She followed her passions into the biological sciences, environmental policy, and education, ultimately finding her way to informal science education. Alix is the Curator of Education at the Bronx Zoo, where she oversees the vision and implementation of conservation focused programming for a variety of audiences. Previously, Alix served as the Director of Education at Wave Hill, a public garden in the Bronx committed to fostering a connection between people and nature. She is a seasoned educator who has also worked in the American Museum of Natural History’s Education Department in various capacities since 2010.

Prior to entering the science education field, Alix worked in environmental conservation and policy. She has worked at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on marine protected areas and program evaluation, and at the International START Secretariat on environmental research and capacity building in Asia. Alix also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ecuador where she worked in collaboration with a local nonprofit organization, Jatun Sacha, at a biological reserve developing and managing multiple natural resource management, sustainable income generation, and environmental education projects. In 2006 she changed the direction of her career and became a science teacher through the New York City Teaching Fellows. She has taught various biological sciences in public school, private school, and informal science centers.

Alix earned her JD with certificates in environmental law and international law from Pace Law School, MS Ed from CUNY Lehman College, MA in international environmental policy from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, and BS in environmental science from the University of Massachusetts. She has presented at professional conferences such as those for the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), American Public Garden Association (APGA), and New York City Museum Educators Roundtable (NYCMER). Alix is also an avid runner and cyclist, who is always up for an outdoor adventure!