Rials Christensen is a scientist, educator, and passionate science communicator who brings a deep commitment to hands-on, interdisciplinary education. As the Western Flyer Foundation’s Education Manager, she leads the development and delivery of programs that connect students with the ocean, the vessel’s history, and the wonder of scientific exploration. Rials earned her Ph.D. in Earth Science from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where she also completed her M.S.
Rials earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in Earth Science from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and holds a B.S. in Environmental Geoscience from the University of Utah. Her teaching experience spans shipboard expeditions, outdoor classrooms, museums, and college labs. Most recently, she worked as an educator at Birch Aquarium at Scripps, where she developed and delivered programs for learners of all ages—including underserved communities through the Seaport Program.
With a background in geology, paleobiology, and marine science, Rials sees science as a powerful tool for environmental stewardship. She believes education is most impactful when it’s inclusive, creative, and cross-disciplinary—and she’s excited to help bring the Western Flyer’s mission to life for the next generation of ocean stewards.