My days on trawlers. Bringing up Pacific cod in Alaska
Quite simply, I want to make a notable difference in this world. By illuminating the world through writing and visual media, I invite humanity to look closer at the marvels of their environment. Perhaps this awareness will shake our values up and change what we decide to invest in and protect.
Working as a marine biologist over the span of a two decades drove me to inspire non-scientists about conservation, scientific discovery and exploration of our ocean realm– particularly the greater ocean depths. My formal degrees were in marine ecology, but my background encompasses a diverse array of marine, aquatic, and terrestrial work around the globe. This includes expeditions with robots to the Arctic, deep-sea diving in New Zealand, marine pollution research and outreach activities in California, oceanographic support in Antarctica, aquaculture construction in central Africa, tropical reef research in the Caribbean, fisheries tagging in Alaska, and marine mammal tracking in Australia. Whether ship-based, in the field or lab, my specialty as a scientist was being able to do it all! Now I bring those discoveries and expeditions to non-scientists through words and visuals.
EDUCATION
Graduate Certificate, Science Communication, University of California, Santa Cruz 2012
MSc, Marine Science (with honours),University of Otago, New Zealand 2003 -Thesis: Ecological Assessment Using Laser-Aided Imaging Aboard a Manned Submersible
BS, Marine Biology (cum laude),University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas 1996 -National Student Exchange to Western Washington University for sea anemone (Anthopleura elegantissima) research
PROFESSIONAL SCIENCE WRITING AND OUTREACH
CURRENT:
Synchro Program Manager, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, 2023- present Manage a new program that is affiliated with CeNCOOS to provide access to fast track testing for new low-cost sensor technology designed with ocean resource manager needs in mind who need to monitor climate change affects. Co-designed with USCS, Stanford Center for Oceans Solutions, CSUMB, and MLML
Freelance science writer, 2013-present
Such clients as Monterey Bay Aquarium (Seafood Watch app/website), PNAS, Science, Santa Barbara Zoo, High Country News, UC Santa Cruz, National Geographic, Conservation Magazine, Wildlife Conservation Society-Fiji
PAST:
SALT (Seafood Alliance for Traceability and Legality) Project Director, FishWise, 2018-2023
Helping shape new initiative to improve fisheries management and traceability in the seafood supply. Creating the communication structure, providing logistical support for convenings held worldwide, and building a network of traceability and illegal fishing experts. Funded by USAID, Packard, Walton Family, and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundations
Communication and outreach consultant, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, US Geological Survey, Santa Cruz, CA 2014-2018
Create and edit USGS research materials and online content. Chronicle USGS research in the field by producing videos, podcasts, photography archives, and creating content for social media, and written features; provide outreach guidance to scientists and communications team; develop plain language lessons
Science Support and Engineering Intern (MBARI),Arctic & CA. 2001
Research Diver and Field Assistant (University of Otago) New Zealand 2000
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Workshop Conferee: National Association of Science Writers, Pacific Coast Children’s Writers, Central Coast Writers’, and Highlights Foundation Science Writing for Kids, 2007 to present
Science Writer, Beckman Initiative for Macular Degeneration Conference, 2012
Oceanswide guest speaker on ROVs for education, Damariscotta, Maine
Guest Speaker- Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute; University of the Virgin Islands
Writer and photographer for Colorado newspaper, and numerous speaking engagements about Peace Corps experience
ARCS Scholar, Northern California Chapter, 2011-2012
National Association of Science Writers, Society of Environmental Journalists, National Peace Corps Association member
NASW Graduate and Freelance Travel Fellow, 2011
University of Otago International Scholarship, and PADI AWARE grant for Masters research, 200
TECHNICAL SKILLS/CERTIFICATIONS
Multimedia: Video, radio, and photo production: Final Cut Pro, Audacity, Soundslides, and Adobe Audition, Photoshop, Aperture, Powerpoint, WordPress
Language: English/French/Japanese (in training)
Computer: Proficient in Macintosh and PC applications: Microsoft Office Suite, Optimas Image Analysis, Endnote, Systat
Field: CERT and FEMA disaster relief training for hurricane and earthquake; sea experience: 550+ days at sea and extensive small boat handling and certification; rescue and research diver with more than 250 dives; training in ROV operations; 25 manned submersible dives
