Two weeks ago, she was helping lead an expedition in Antarctica.
By the time you’re reading this, she’ll be guiding a snorkeling adventure in Palau.
Catching up with Kristin Wornson, a 1992 graduate of New Prague High School, isn’t easy. But, when you do catch up to the busy naturalist, travel guide, and jewelry artist, she’s a breath of fresh air.
Conversation isn’t rushed. Her love of nature— down to the tiniest of plants and iridescent sea slugs—is evident, and her passion for travel is contagious.
“I’ve always loved nature and have felt drawn to the ocean ever since the first time my dad took me snorkeling,” stated Wornson, daughter of Richard and Cathy Wornson of New Prague. “He pointed out some tiny little shrimp hanging out along a ledge… I’ve been enamored with the underwater world ever since.”
Her fascination inspired her to study Biology at Iowa State University after high school.
After earning her degree, Wornson relocated to the west coast to participate in a summer program at the Bodega Bay Marine Institute, run through the University of California, Davis. “It was a marine biology research program, where we got to design and carry out our own research project. I loved it,” she stated. “I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of.”
To see more on this story pick up the April 21, 2022 print edition of The New Prague Times.
Natural adventurer Fascination with tiniest wonders leads Wornson to big adventures
