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 Climate

Lara Croushore is an expert in the field—she developed climate policy for New York City as Chief Strategy Officer in the Mayor’s Office; she served as Managing Director of an ocean-climate policy think tank called Urban Ocean Lab; and is currently Head of Climate at SecondMuse, a global impact and innovation company. Lara has a BA in Environmental Science from Boston University, and MPA in Environmental Policy from Columbia University. 

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 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.

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, Production, and Facilities

A graduate of Full Sail University with a degree in Recording Arts, David brings over 25 years of specialized expertise in acoustic science, live production, and venue management. His distinguished career is anchored by nearly two decades supporting the National Geographic Society, complemented by his tenure at a premier performance venue in Washington, D.C. before returning home to Cape May. Having been a cornerstone of the Cape May Point Arts and Science Center since volunteering during its inaugural year, David remains 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.

Head Gardeners

Katie and Mark serve as the head gardeners at the Center, following their retirement from Blissful Gardening, a design and maintenance business they operated in Northern New Jersey. Katie has addressed Garden Clubs and Master Gardeners throughout the Northeast and taught courses at the Rutgers Home Gardeners School. Mark joined the business in 2012 after a career on Wall Street, bringing his expertise to their construction and handiwork services. Their connection to the area runs deep: Katie grew up vacationing in Cape May, and both have worked locally on and off for many years.

Education and Engagement Coordinator

Annabelle is a graduate of The College of New Jersey, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History Secondary Education and a minor in Environmental Sustainability Education. As a teacher and former summer intern at CMPASC, she brings experience to her role in which she coordinates the Center’s volunteers, interns, and educational programming. She is passionate about expanding an array of educational opportunities to students of all ages.