Director of Science

Dr. Sean Burcher completed his Doctorate in Nuclear Physics in 2019 and went on to work as a postdoctoral research scientist at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. He has since moved back to Cape May and Dr. Burcher currently works at Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT) as an embedded software developer. He works to develop state-of-the-art telemetry devices for wildlife with a focus on tracking marine animals.

Director of Marine Science

Melissa Laurino serves as the Research Director and a USCG 100-ton Master Captain with the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center. She is a graduate from Stockton University with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Marine Biology and Data Science and Analytics. She studies our local Cape May populations of marine mammals and curates our Bottlenose Dolphin and Humpback Whale catalogs using photo-identification.

Director of Arts

Daniel Magariel is the author of One of the Boys and Walk the Darkness Down. His novels have been widely reviewed and translated into a dozen languages. He has a BA in History from Columbia University and an MFA from Syracuse. He is the founder of Convent Art Fellowship, a fully funded writers retreat held at the CMPASC. He teaches at Columbia University.

Director of Climate

Lara Croushore is Director of Climate at Cape May Point Arts and Science Center. She is an expert in the field—she developed climate policy for New York City as Chief Strategy Officer in the Mayor’s Office; led efforts to grow the green economy in New York City as Vice President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation; she served as Managing Director of an ocean-climate policy think tank called Urban Ocean Lab; and is currently Head of Climate at Second Muse, a global climate and social impact firm. Lara has a BA in Environmental Science from Boston University, and MPA in Environmental Policy from Columbia University.

President

Bob wears many hats, from President of the Arts and Science Center to founder of the Harriet Tubman Museum and owner of the Cape May National Golf Course, the Chalfonte Hotel, and Dormer House. Bob rescued the historic building that is now the Cape May Point Arts and Science Center from demolition in 2021. Bob is passionate about conserving Cape May’s rich natural and cultural histories.

Executive Director

Dr. Marilyn Murphy, is the former Director of the Center on Innovations in Learning at Temple University. She also served as Director of the Institute for Schools and Society, the research branch of the Temple University College of Education. She received her doctorate from Temple University in Education, Curriculum and Technology.

Director of Operations

With over 25 years of expertise in acoustic science, live production, and venue management, David brings a wealth of experience to his work. A graduate of Full Sail University’s Recording Arts program, his career spans nearly two decades with the National Geographic Society, alongside a key leadership role at a premier Washington, D.C. performance venue. Now back home in Cape May, David has been a cornerstone of the Cape May Point Arts and Science Center since volunteering during its inaugural year. He is deeply passionate about community outreach, the fusion of art and science, and sharing the Center's mission with the world.

Development and Executive Administrator

Kathleen brings a dynamic blend of experience and passion to CMPASC in her dual role as Development Manager and Executive Administrator. Following a career in marketing, strategy and operations with AT&T, Kathleen eventually migrated into the field of environmental nonprofits, where her heart has always belonged. Nearly a decade with NJ Audubon led her to the wilds of Cape May and the CMPASC, where she feels equally at home and aligned with her calling.