• 2014 Mississippi State University, M.S. Geoscience
• 2001 University of Alabama, B.S. Environmental Science

Mendel’s lifelong love of nature led her to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, first as a high school student in the Discovery Hall Program’s month-long science course, then as an undergraduate, then as an educator in 2002.

When Mendel is not at the Sea Lab, she enjoys leading her children on adventures at home and afield.