Back in 2015, I was spending my summer studying at the amazing Bamfield Marine Sciences Center on the west coast of Vancouver Island. I was a freshly certified Scientific Diver, still wet behind the ears (salt water obviously), and was eager to use my skills. I reached out to their DSO, and somehow convinced them that they could use me to help with animal collections for various studies being done at the research station. It was here that I met the outgoing Michele Felberg, the 2015 North American Rolex Scholar. She told me about the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society and their mission to help young divers discover the diversity of opportunities that exist within the field. It was there in that dive shed that I decided I wanted the scholarship, and many of the decisions I have made since, have been with this goal in mind.
I finally took the leap, and applied for the scholarship this last fall after an incredibly valuable two years working as a research diver both in the Great African Lakes in Malawi studying cichlids, and also on the Central Coast of British Columbia studying coastal systems in the context of the Anthropocene. Diving on the exposed coast of British Columbia is gnarly at times, but has some of the most beautiful kelp forests, and rocky reef systems in the WORLD! Working with these organisations has been extremely beneficial in my growth as a diver, scientist, and person!
I received the fateful call that I had been chosen the day after I interviewed on Skype in Mumbai, India. The selection committee called me back on my Indian number on my trusty Nokia brick phone. I could barely hear what they were saying, but the tone of voice was positive so I assumed the news was good! Since that day it has been a whirlwind of logistics, planning, and general euphoria.
Last weekend the 2019 Rolex Scholars were officially inaugurated into the OWUSS in New York City. Probably the fanciest event I have attended in my life. It was an amazing experience being introduced into the Explorers Club, learning about the years of the 2018 scholars, and of course receiving my Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner. The OWUSS family is a group of incredibly inspirational individuals who comprise an organisation that has helped our oceans in countless ways. I am so excited to join it throughout the upcoming year with my Scholarship counterparts Kim Hildebrandt andJoanna Smart.
This scholarship is unique in its diversity and its ability to introduce new divers into any field within the scope of the diving world. To this end, I have three over-arching goals that this scholarship will help me pursue. These are: 1) to contribute in a meaningful way to protecting marine ecosystems, 2) to explore potential research pathways, and 3) to build effective science communication skills. In today’s hyper connected world transparency and open communication are necessary parts of Ocean advocacy. So please join me as I embark upon this adventure! Follow along on this blog and on my Facebook and Instagram accounts.
