Sara E Harris

Sara E Harris is a Professor in the Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences and serves as the Associate Dean Academic in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia. She is a recognized leader in climate science education and science communication.

Her research focuses on evidence-based science education, particularly how people learn about climate science and how educational strategies can foster more expert-like understanding of Earth's climate system. She explores the interplay between climate literacy, risk perception, personal values, and worldviews in shaping public response to climate change.

Sara was named a 3M National Teaching Fellow in 2015 for her work on a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on climate change, highlighting her impact in innovative science education. She is also a co-author of the book Understanding Climate Change: Science, Policy, and Practice, which integrates scientific knowledge with policy and educational perspectives.

She previously served as a chief scientist at the Sea Education Association in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, where she conducted oceanographic research and mentored undergraduate students during extensive at-sea programs.

• 3M National Teaching Fellow (2015)

Sara Harris has contributed significantly to science education through curriculum development, public outreach, and research on learning. Her interdisciplinary work bridges geosciences and educational psychology, aiming to improve climate literacy across diverse audiences. She has participated in international forums such as the ISC Summer School on Cognition and Climate, where she delivered talks on the role and impact of climate science education.