What inspired you to work for your organization?
I have always had a passion for nature and conservation, which inspired me to pursue the Honorary Ranger course with SANParks. While working in fields that did not directly focus on conservation, including oyster farming and commercial diving, I witnessed some of the environmental challenges associated with these industries. This motivated me to pursue a career where I could make a positive difference. During a job interview in Cape Town, I learned about an opportunity at Oceans Research Institute and immediately saw it as the perfect chance to combine my passion for nature with meaningful work. Here I would be able to contribute to conservation, and become part of the change I wanted to see.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Don't get caught up in the little things or let everyday worries distract you from what truly matters. Take a step back, look at the bigger picture, and appreciate the world around you. Travelling teaches you that there is so much more to life than material things and daily routines. There is so much to see. Step outside your comfort zone, stay curious, ask questions, embrace new experiences, and learn from the people you meet along the way. Not everything will go according to plan, and that's part of the adventure. Don't waste your time worrying about things you cannot control. Enjoy the journey, appreciate the small moments, and remember that life is about experiences, connections, and the memories you create.
Describe a typical day at work.
A typical day for me is varied and hands-on, with no two days necessarily being the same. I keep track of equipment and ensure all gear is ready for fieldwork. I drive the boat, and assist with general maintenance to keep everything running smoothly. I also share my practical knowledge by teaching fishing techniques and seamanship, help students develop essential skills and confidence on the water. From preparing for research activities to maintaining equipment and supporting training sessions, my role combines practical work, teamwork, and passing on knowledge while contributing to marine research and conservation.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job is working with sharks, especially handling them during catch-and-release fishing operations. There is something incredibly special about being able to interact with these amazing animals up close, learn more about them, and contribute to their conservation. They might look intimidating to some people, but I honestly think they are the cutest things! Being able to work with sharks in their natural environment is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I’m currently involved in several marine research and conservation activities at Oceans Research Institute, with a strong focus on sharks and other marine wildlife. This includes catch-and-release shark research, collecting data on shark species, and supporting projects investigating shark movements, behaviour and population dynamics. We also conduct marine mammal surveys, intertidal biodiversity assessments and shark eggcase surveys to better understand the species living along our coastline. Alongside the research, I help students develop practical skills in seamanship, fishing techniques and fieldwork, contributing to the next generation of marine researchers.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Oceans Research Institute offers much more than an educational experience; it provides a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth. We offer high-quality, hands-on courses that allow students to gain practical field experience while working alongside established researchers and experienced professionals, including renowned shark researcher Enrico Gennari. What truly sets us apart is the personal approach, the close-knit team, and the opportunity to become part of real research and conservation efforts. Students leave not only with valuable knowledge and practical skills, but also with unforgettable experiences, lasting connections, and a deeper appreciation for the marine environment.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Our mission at Oceans Research Institute is to advance wildlife research and conservation while inspiring the next generation of researchers through hands-on education and meaningful field experiences. We work towards this by studying sharks, marine mammals, and other wildlife, collecting valuable scientific data, and sharing our knowledge with students and researchers. A key part of our approach is teaching the importance of responsible wildlife handling, animal welfare, and respecting animals in their natural environment. We want participants to understand not only how to conduct research, but also why ethical practices and conservation matter. Beyond the fieldwork, we aim to build a strong, lasting community through our students and alumni network, creating connections that continue long after participants leave. By combining science, practical training, personal mentorship, and a genuine passion for wildlife, we hope to make a lasting contribution to conservation and empower people to become responsible advocates for the natural world.
What hopes do you have for the future for your organization?
My hope for the future of Oceans Research Institute is to see it grow into a leading research and education organisation with a presence across South Africa. I would love to see us expand our projects beyond marine research and re-establish terrestrial research, allowing us to study and protect wildlife and ecosystems both on land and in the ocean. By expanding our reach, strengthening collaborations, and creating more opportunities for students and researchers, we can increase our impact on conservation nationwide. Ultimately, I want to help build the institute into the best version of itself, growing its capabilities and reach while staying true to its passion for research, education, and protecting nature.
What makes your organization easy to market to potential participants?
Oceans Research Institute is easy to market because it brings together some of the most exciting aspects of South Africa: incredible wildlife, sharks, beautiful natural environments, and a welcoming community. We offer participants the opportunity to go beyond traditional classroom learning and experience research and conservation firsthand. Working alongside experienced researchers, getting up close to marine wildlife, and becoming part of a close-knit team makes the experience both educational and personal. It is not just about gaining knowledge; it is about adventure, meaningful connections, and developing a deeper appreciation for nature while contributing to real conservation efforts.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
What I would love most is to meet some of our students again ten years from now and see where life has taken them. It would be incredibly rewarding to see how they have grown, what they have achieved, and whether something they learned or experienced at Oceans Research Institute helped shape their journey. Some of the most valuable lessons I can pass on are not found in textbooks, but come from real-life experiences, personal mistakes, failures, and successes. Working in the field teaches you things you cannot learn in a classroom alone, from making decisions under pressure to respecting wildlife and understanding the responsibility that comes with research. I hope to give participants practical skills, confidence, and the motivation to keep learning, even when things don't go according to plan. Most importantly, I hope to build genuine connections that last beyond their time with us. Knowing that I played even a small part in someone's personal or professional journey, and seeing them succeed using lessons we shared, would be one of the most rewarding parts of my job.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
Travelling abroad allows people to step outside their comfort zones and experience the world beyond the bubble they are used to. It opens your mind to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of life, helping you understand that there is no single way to see or experience the world. When you expose yourself to unfamiliar environments, you learn to adapt, become more independent, and appreciate differences rather than fear them. You also begin to recognise how much your own perspective is shaped by the environment you grew up in. I believe travelling teaches you as much about yourself as it does about others, challenging your assumptions and encouraging you to question what you have always considered normal. Meeting people from different backgrounds can change the way you think, communicate, and approach challenges. For me, travelling is about more than seeing beautiful places; it is about building connections, learning from others, and understanding our shared responsibility towards the world we live in. It helps you grow into a more open-minded person who is willing to listen, adapt, and see opportunities where you might not have seen them before.
How do you help support participants?
I support participants by sharing my knowledge and experience, being there whenever they need guidance, and making sure they feel comfortable and included. Whether it's teaching practical skills, answering questions, or learning from mistakes together, I want them to know they can rely on me. I also believe that having fun is an important part of the experience, so I do my best to keep everyone entertained on the boat with music and a good sense of humour! Most importantly, I prioritise their safety and well-being, making sure everyone feels looked after, supported, and able to enjoy their time with us to the fullest.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means more than just visiting a new place or ticking destinations off a list. It is about immersing yourself in different cultures, connecting with people, learning from new experiences, and leaving a positive impact wherever you go. For me, it means stepping outside your comfort zone, challenging your own perspectives, and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around you. It is also about recognising that you are a guest in someone else's home and respecting their culture, environment, and way of life. Especially when it comes to nature and conservation, meaningful travel means appreciating wildlife responsibly, understanding the importance of protecting ecosystems, and supporting local communities. Ultimately, it is about taking home more than photographs: carrying new perspectives, lasting connections, and lessons that influence how you live long after the journey ends.
