Marine invertebrates have captured my attention for as long as I can remember. Around age 8, I recall showing my parents a soft, squishy animal that had squirted purple ink on me and asking them what it was. They had no idea and didn’t share my fascination, but when they turned away in disgust, my curiosity only grew stronger. Now I know it was a mottled sea hare, still one of my favorite animals!

Studying environmental and marine sciences at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill cemented the marine biology path for me. Summers in between semesters, I lived in the Outer Banks of North Carolina working for the local aquarium. My energy and enthusiasm were appreciated there as I led summer campers on paddles to marshes, and taught kids how to write their name with the ink sac from squids during dissections.

This phenomenal experience with environmental education led me to pursue my NC Environmental Educator Certification (completed June 2025)! Combining my love for teaching folks about our oceans and estuaries, and my passion for marine science research, I’ve landed in the marine science communication field and couldn’t be happier. I get to teach people, provide resources, translate jargon-y research for nontechnical audiences, and create content with the thousands of photos and videos I take!