MOBILE, Ala. - Ilka Porter has been named Education Director for GulfQuest, Mobile?s Maritime Museum that is slated to open in 2011. Porter brings eight years of museum education experience as well as a background in elementary education to her new role.

Prior to joining GulfQuest's staff, Porter served as Education Director for the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center. In this role, Porter developed and implemented educational programming complimentary to curriculum objectives for Alabama and Mississippi to coincide with individual exhibits, traveling exhibitions and IMAX films. Following her tenure with the Exploreum, Porter worked with the Mobile Area Education Foundation as the Engaging Youth in Engineering (EYE) Camp Director and the Bridges to Algebra Excellence Symposium Coordinator.

Porter received a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Science in elementary education from Spring Hill College. Before beginning her career in museum education, Porter worked for four years in the Mobile County Public School System as an elementary school teacher.

As GulfQuest's Education Director, Porter will lead the development of educational programs in preparation for the interactive maritime museum's opening in 2011. Programs to be planned include school field trip classes; weekend, summer and holiday programs; birthday party demonstrations; overnight camp-ins; and educator workshops. Porter will also work with NOAA personnel to develop programs and materials for future implementation at GulfQuest and other museums/aquariums.

"As Education Director, it will be my goal to provide meaningful and memorable experiences that will keep visitors of all ages coming back to GulfQuest time and time again," Porter said.

Once GulfQuest opens, Porter will be responsible for conducting programs, supervising staff, training volunteers, and managing departmental resources to provide an array of educational programs that serve both schools and the general public.

GulfQuest is a public-private partnership, made possible through collaboration between the City of Mobile and a non-profit organization that is planning the museum and will operate the facility under a long-term agreement with the City of Mobile. The non-profit is governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of community and state leaders.

For more information, please contact GulfQuest, with temporary offices at the International Trade Center (250 N. Water Street, Suite 131) in Mobile, at (251) 436-8901 or visit www.gulfquest.org.