Our Story
Odyssey Discovery was created from a simple belief:
Learning should feel connected to the real world.
Too often, education feels distant—something found in textbooks rather than something happening all around us. But when people are given the opportunity to connect with real stories, real places, and real people, learning becomes something entirely different.
It becomes meaningful. Memorable. Alive.
About Odyssey Discovery
Real stories. Real connection. Real-world learning.
How We Work
A Growing Platform
Odyssey Discovery is more than a single program or project.
It is a growing platform focused on:
- Creating original storytelling and educational content
- Building meaningful partnerships with scientists and organizations
- Designing learning experiences that can reach more people over time
Our goal is to create a sustainable system that allows real-world learning to scale—while staying grounded in the relationships and values that make it meaningful.
Educator Experiences
We also design and host immersive educator experiences that connect teachers with real-world environments and scientific discovery.
These experiences continue to inform and shape our work, as we explore ways to expand access to this kind of learning both in-person and through media.
Everything we create is guided by a commitment to:
- Integrity — Being honest, thoughtful, and responsible in how stories are shared
- Respect — For the people, communities, and environments we engage with
- Authenticity — Focusing on real experiences rather than scripted or staged content
- Connection — Building meaningful relationships at the center of our work
- Purpose — Contributing something positive through education and storytelling
We believe that how we create matters just as much as what we create.
Odyssey Discovery exists to create those kinds of experiences.
What We Do
We design and produce real-world learning experiences that connect students, educators, and audiences with scientists, conservationists, and explorers.
Through storytelling, field-based content, and thoughtfully designed learning experiences, we help bring real science and real discovery into focus.
Our work centers around two core initiatives:
Field Notes: Explorer
A structured learning experience that connects classrooms with real-world science, fieldwork, and the people doing the work.
Field Notes: Uncovered
A storytelling series (YouTube & podcast) that shares real stories from the field—highlighting science, exploration, and discovery in an authentic way.
Together, these create a growing body of work designed to make learning more connected, accessible, and meaningful.
Kirsten Alburg is an educator, storyteller, and learning experience designer.
Her work focuses on helping people connect more deeply with the world around them—through real-world storytelling, thoughtful design, and meaningful collaboration.
Through Odyssey Discovery, she is building a platform that brings together education, science, and exploration in a way that feels human, authentic, and impactful.
About the Founder
Kirsten Alburg Speaking
Kirsten Alburg
How authentic connections with scientists, exploration, and storytelling transform learning
Kirsten shares how real-world experiences, scientific voices, and storytelling make learning engaging, relevant, and impactful. Attendees leave inspired to connect students with authentic fieldwork and meaningful experiences.
Ideal for: School districts, education conferences, STEM organizations, curriculum leaders, and professional development events development events
A keynote on resilience, perspective, and discovering hope in difficult seasons
Inspired by Kirsten’s experience living through Polar Night in Utqiaġvik, Alaska, this talk explores how challenge can reshape perspective, reveal unexpected light, and help audiences navigate uncertainty with resilience and purpose.
Ideal for: Leadership events, women’s conferences, retreats, nonprofits, and school districts
Finding Light in the Dark
Bringing the Real World Into
the Classroom
The Power of Science Storytelling
Why stories, curiosity, and human connection make learning stick
Science becomes more powerful when it is personal, visual, and connected to human experience. Kirsten shows how storytelling can bridge the gap between research, education, and public engagement to spark curiosity and lasting impact.
Ideal for: Environmental organizations, museums, conservation groups, science communication events, and educators
Contact for Speaking
Work With Us
If you are a:
School or educator
Scientist or researcher
Conservation or environmental organization
Mission-driven partner
We would love to connect.
Together, we can create learning experiences that matter.
Partnerships
Looking Ahead
We are building something that is meant to grow.
A platform that:
Connects people to real-world science and discovery
Supports educators and learners
Amplifies the work of scientists and conservationists
Creates meaningful, lasting impact
Whats next?
“When learning connects to real people and real places, it becomes something we carry with us—not just something we remember.”
— Kirsten Alburg
WORdS TO LIVE BY
Join the Blog
The Odyssey Discovery Blog is Here
Check Out The Odyssey Discovery Podcast & YouTube
WHERE TO NEXT?
