Diving and Marine conservation

Off Diving, Egypt 2015. (Photo taken by Soeren Johanson)

I am a passionate scuba diver and marine conservation advocate. Having worked as a Divemaster since 2009, I have worked in Greece, Egypt, Honduras and the UK. I have conducted dives in remote locations and previously volunteered for the Whale Shark Research Centre.

I have been lucky enough to spend time all over the world in coastal areas, from off the coast of the USA watching Humpbacks, seeing icebergs in Iceland, to diving collecting plastic rubbish in the Red Sea, Egypt. The variety of the marine world never fails to disappoint me!

However, despite having travelled to some of the most stunning marine environments on the planet, UK diving is still some of the most beautiful I've seen. My true diving education occurred whilst working at Vobster Quay. Here I was inspired to not only give up on following my dream to use diving for science, but to also do it in a safer, efficient, smarter way.

THE OUTDOORS

Striking a pose on the Old Man of Coniston, Lake District, UK, April 2016

It is not just the marine environment that fascinates me. I also enjoy the outdoors - there is nothing better than the view (and satisfaction) when you walk up to the top of a mountain! My sister, Beth (who is the ultimate walking partner) and I are going to be walking in as many exciting spots as we can this year - Ben Nevis in May 2017!

SCIENCE EDUCATION

I volunteer as a STEM Ambassador in the South West UK. Science education is extremely important, I really enjoy promoting the practical hands-on side. I worked as a school science technician between September 2015 - August 2016. Whilst working at the school I ran practical sessions across all aspects of biology, from developmental to molecular and genetic engineering. I continue to run these practical sessions to school students aged 11 - 18.

creative

In my spare time I enjoy art - I even worked as a Glastonbury festival bin painter in 2015! I find photography is an essential way to communicate the places I am privileged to see. However, one of my favourite things to do to relax is sitting and drawing. My favourite things to illustrate always involve the marine environment, although I do try to branch out sometimes!