Snapshot Story: My Journey to Becoming a Science Communicator
Ever since I was six years old, I've dreamed of the ocean. Growing up in Miami with access to beautiful beaches, warm water and the Everglades exposed me to the wonders of nature. Studying the ocean, learning it’s secrets, exploring and discovering it’s deep depths. I've been incredibly lucky to be one of the children who get to grow up, live their passions, and realize their dreams. I'm deeply passionate about our oceans and marine conservation. Even through hardship and challenges, this effervescent passion has helped make everyday an adventure.
And I want you to join me on this adventure!
It's been a wild ride these past few years, working with so many great companies and organizations to educate the world about our big blue world. I've made so many great memories, starting with my early college years...
Ocean Advocacy From a Young Age
With the love and support of my family, I graduated from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science with a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Science and Biology.
My family and in particular, my mother Michelle, have always been a pillar of support for me. So when I was awarded $10,000 from the ROXY ‘Follow Your Heart Tour’ competition presented by Schick® Quattro For Women® intended to inspire young women to go after their dreams, I was able to pursue one of my dreams: starting my own ocean advocacy organization. I founded the Big Blue & You, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with my mom as a way to increase awareness of ocean conservation through art and media.
Becoming a Science Communicator
Educating youth about our oceans has always been a passion of mine. In fact, I was a naturalist at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center on Key Biscayne (Miami, FL) for four years, teaching thousands of South Florida children about local marine ecosystems while exploring Bear Cut Preserve. It's one of my most favorite seasons of my life and it started me on my path as a science communicator.
From there, I served as an on-camera personality and science filmmaker with Untamed Science. In conjunction with Pearson Publishing, our ‘ecogeek” team created over 200 K-12 science educational videos that are currently used in classrooms all over the US! Plus, I also hosted Ocean GEMS, a multimedia series and outreach program connecting teen girls to marine scientist mentors and role models, inspiring them to pursue careers in marine science.
I can't forget to mention that I also worked with Jaden Smith in the official educational outreach video for the theatrical film After Earth starring Jaden and Will Smith. It was such an amazing opportunity and fun to work on!
#SciComm Today
These days, I'm the host of a new STEM educational TV series called Xploration Nature Knows Best, featuring the latest advancements in bio-inspired technology and design. It's a nationally syndicated TV show on FOX, airing every week, and is also available on HULU, Amazon Prime, Yahoo View, and Roku. It's so much fun meeting scientists from all over the US and learning more about the amazing advancements that are going on in our great country.
Looking Ahead
I'm so excited to share my adventures and journey with you. I'll be sharing more about my upcoming ocean conservation events, tips and tricks on how YOU can help save the ocean in your day-to-day life, and more about living your passion like I do!
I'd love to know what you'd like to see on my blog so jump over to Instagram and leave a comment to let me know! You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to be sure to get all the updates on everything DW.
Shine your light and live your passion!