Hi, I'm Christine Elder; your instructor for this course on sketching and identifying seashells. This course grew out of the popularity of an online workshop I taught so I decided to expand it into a course.

I've always loved the marine environment. While earning my bachelor's degree in biology I focused on marine biology subjects and deepened my studies with internships at the Marine Mammal Center and the Monterey Bay Aquarium. After receiving my master's degree I worked at Moss Landing Marine Lab in the invertebrate department then taught marine biology as a high school and college biology instructor. I've traveled extensively around the world where I've snorkeled and SCUBA dived in the Pacific, Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Celebes Sea.

I look forward to sharing my love and fascination for seashells with you!