With an MSc in Applied Ocean Science emphasizing Marine Biology, I honed skills in marine law, fisheries science, and data analysis using R Studio and Python. My thesis, funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) through the South African Research Chair Initiative (SARCHI), investigated how climate change impacts small-scale fishing communities in South Africa’s Southern Cape. As a cum laude graduate of Utah Tech University’s Biology program, I built a strong foundation studying GIS, marine biology, plant taxonomy, and environmental science.

NPO work has been the most recent focus of my career, where I’ve found opportunities to empower marginalized and coastal communities. As Program Coordinator (Science) at the Wildlife Restoration Foundation, I contributed to projects like the iMfolozi Project and North American Bison Summit (NABS), facilitating stakeholder workgroups, coordinating event logistics, and supporting partnerships through grant writing and research. At the Marine Conservation Institute, I worked closely with MPA management teams as a Blue Parks Conservation Scientist, preparing evaluation reports to assess conservation effectiveness. These roles have solidified my passion for impactful, community-centered conservation.

As a Cell Biology and Marine Ecology Demonstrator at the University of Cape Town, I guided first-year students through lab experiments, intertidal ecology studies, and scientific writing, while providing constructive feedback on their reports. At IXIA Solutions LLP, I developed environmental education materials aligned with U.S. curricula, focusing on forestry and natural resource management. Additionally, I’ve delivered classroom presentations at elementary, high school, and college levels and served as a tutor and mentor since my undergraduate years—reflecting my deep passion for teaching and empowering future environmental science professionals.

As Shark Research and Volunteer Program Coordinator with the White Shark Diving Company, I managed volunteers, deployed and analyzed BRUV data, tagged sharks, conducted fin identification, and contributed to research on shark species and marine pollution. With CLS Southern Africa, I assisted in water quality testing using CTD profiling and Niskin bottle sampling to analyze sewage plume impacts along the southern African coastline. In Indonesia, as a Divemaster and Marine Biologist, I helped further coral restoration efforts, conducted species identification (Manta Rays, Turtles), performed Coral Watch health assessments, and guided other citizen science initiatives.

My volunteer experience includes a variety of impactful projects across the globe. I’ve worked on sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica, Asian elephant health monitoring in Thailand, and sustainable housing initiatives in the Dominican Republic. I’ve also taught English, supported special needs students, and provided educational resources to underserved communities. At the Two Oceans Aquarium, I spent over a year managing exhibits and assisting with marine animal care, gaining valuable insights into public engagement and conservation education. These experiences have deepened my commitment to creating meaningful change through both wildlife conservation and community empowerment.

I co-authored Marine Mammals as Indicators of Anthropocene Ocean Health (2024), an academic study exploring the role of marine mammals in assessing ocean health amidst anthropogenic impacts. I also authored Marine Biology for Kids: Discovering the Amazing World Under the Sea (2023), a children’s book available on Amazon that introduces young readers to marine ecosystems. Additionally, I am working on a four-part series on climate change for middle school audiences, set to be published in the Library of Congress in 2026.