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.

Nonprofit work has become one of the most meaningful parts of my career!

At the Marine Conservation Institute, I worked as a Blue Parks Conservation Scientist, collaborating with marine protected area teams around the world to evaluate the effectiveness of ocean conservation efforts and support global standards for protecting biodiversity.

More recently, I’ve been working with the Wildlife Restoration Foundation as a Program Manager, where I lead a fundraising team and help develop a small grant program supporting wildlife collaboration in gateway communities. My role also involves onboarding new team members, managing projects across a growing team, and helping coordinate large conservation gatherings like the North American Bison Summit and the North American Summit on Collaborating with Wildlife.

Earlier in my career, I taught and mentored students during my graduate studies at the University of Cape Town and developed environmental education materials focused on natural resource management.

I currently serve as a Marine Biology Instructor and Biology Lab Manager at Utah Tech University, where I oversee the operations of the undergraduate biology laboratory program while teaching both organismal biology labs and an upper-division marine biology course. I wear a few hats here, from coordinating lab systems and supporting faculty to guiding students through dissections, experimental design, and scientific inquiry. I also design field-based learning experiences, including organizing and leading a research trip to San Diego where students get to see marine science in practice!

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, etc.), 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, helped monitor the health of Asian elephants in Thailand, and contributed to sustainable housing initiatives in the Dominican Republic. Along the way, I’ve also taught English, supported students with special needs, and helped bring 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!

My publications reflect both my academic research and my love for making science fun and accessible! During my MSc, I had the opportunity to contribute to two collaborative research papers led by Dr. Stephanie Plön that explore ocean health and the role marine mammals play as indicators of broader changes in the Anthropocene. Alongside academic work, I’ve also enjoyed writing for wider audiences. I authored Marine Biology for Kids: Discovering the Amazing World Under the Sea, which introduces young readers to marine ecosystems, and in 2024 I wrote two books focused on climate science and climate adaptation: Climate Change Basics: What Is Happening to Our World and Climate Change Modifications: How We Are Adapting. All are now published and available through major retailers including Target, Walmart, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.