The career and personal journey of a marine scientist committed to conservation, education, and improving our relationship with the natural world.
Hello! My name is Emily.
As a marine ecologist, scientific diver, and ocean educator, I find inspiration in the strange and beautiful life that thrives in the sea. I am emboldened by the curious and talented people I meet across nations and disciplines who are committed to the protection of our oceans and believe that together we can mitigate global climate change impacts.
I hope you enjoy the site and gain inspiration from the stories, photographs, videos, and experiences I have gained from my research and diving around the globe.
Professional History
Undersea Specialist
May 2017-Present
Marine science expert, lead SCUBA diver, videographer, photographer, educator, and naturalist who shares the underwater world through undersea videos, oral presentations, and exploration. Responsible for executing dives in remote and unexplored locations, capturing and editing dive footage, and communicating marine science concepts to audiences of all ages, backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor
June 2015-Present
Certified PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor responsible for training and educating new divers. Maintains the safety of the group and helps students to overcome challenges and achieve personal goals.
Marine Ecology Research Technician
June 2013-June 2015
Coordinated and led over 150 scientific dives on shipwrecks and rocky reefs up to 20 miles offshore of the North Carolina coast. Surveyed fish, invertebrate, and algae populations on artificial and natural reefs using SCUBA to conduct belt transects, collect photoquadrat images, measure habitat complexity, and deploy scientific equipment.
NOAA Ernest F. Hollings Scholar and Undergraduate Researcher
June 2011-Sept. 2011
Conducted fisheries management social science research on research needs for fisheries management in the Pacific Islands Region. Performed a gap analysis to determine social science research needs and conducted 60 semi-structured interviews with fishers, managers, and scientists. Compiled a comprehensive literature review on social science research in the Pacific Islands Region.
HHMI Undergraduate Researcher
June 2009-Sept. 2009
Surveyed invasive lionfish and native fish populations using SCUBA to conduct belt transects, capture and tag lionfish, and deploy overnight video cameras. Conducted a lionfish behavioral study involving 60+ hours of in situ observation. Lived on a secluded island in the Bahamas diving, caring for aquaria, leading laboratory experiments, extracting otoliths, driving boats, and maintaining both scientific and diving equipment.
