What inspired you to work for the Indo Ocean Project?
Founding the Indo Ocean Project was a culmination of past successes and failures. As an experienced dive professional and research diver, I found there was a lack of programs that were able to consistently provide accurate ecological data. Citizen science has so much potential to provide worthwhile information and track changes over time, but the methodology needed to be quantifiable.
Then the Indo Ocean Project was born! It was founded on the principle that before you can be a good research diver you must first be a good diver, this is why we combined the dive master and research diver training into one comprehensive curriculum. Filling this gap has inspired me to start the Indo Ocean Project, and in the last five years we have been overwhelmed by the amount of support and continue to develop both our research and our training program.
My unbelievably gorgeous home with unbeatable views in Nusa Penida, Indonesia.
Describe a typical day at work.
I'm more of the computer person, talking to potential interns and partners, overseeing the plans for independent research, and traveling between project locations to meet the interns and implement program changes and development. The first thing I want to do in the morning is check my emails and stay connected to fellow conservationists and marine professionals around the world. And of course to jump on as many dives as I can with my camera and grab some research action shots. My job is dynamic and busy, and I love every minute of it.
Why do you do what you do?
This has a 3 part answer.
One side is because I love the ocean and I feel a deep connection to myself and the planet when I am scuba diving. It is at the core of what drives me every day. I want to learn more about the oceans and help to protect them in any way I can. For me this is through research, data collection, and science based decision making.
The second is because I love being a part (even a small part) of the development of future marine professionals, either in research or professional diving. Taking a new or inexperienced diver and making them into a confident dive professional who is informed on conservation issues and research methodology brings me so much joy. We need more ocean warriors and the Indo Ocean Project and programs like it help to cross the barrier of the ocean's surface and open a whole new world for so many. This is what happened to me at a young age and I'm proud that the Indo Ocean Project is a career stepping stone for so many.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Seeing our graduates go on to do amazing things in and around the ocean. Being a small part of that journey is so rewarding. On the other hand, being creative in project development and execution is totally thrilling.
Research and science takes soooo long, years to really see the full effect. But to take an idea, work as a team to develop a plan, execute the field work, and pull together the results and final paper is so fulfilling. Top it off with using that work to help enact science driven changes to marine policy and it really puts a bounce in your step. It takes a lot of effort from a lot of people to complete the process, but it always starts with an idea.
As you can clearly see in this photo, diving is my own personal happy place.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
I have combined my formal education with 15 years of traveling and diving. My educational background is a bit of a mix, doing a double major in theater and biology and progressing into studying environmental management. But I always say that biology gave me the ability for critical scientific thinking, and theater has given me the ability to communicate it. One of the major issues facing marine conservationists today is marketing and communication.
People care more when they can see the problem. For those working in the ocean the greatest obstacle has always been the ocean itself. This is why we need to get people diving and engaging more with the action happening below the surface.
I have lived in many places and worked with people from all over the world. Diversity is truly our biggest asset and engaging with different backgrounds to work together to find the solution is critical. I love working with individuals in rural parts of the country, as the coastal communities often have the best insights on their own environment. Through my travels I have gained the interpersonal skills needed to positively engage with communities and individuals of varying backgrounds.
What challenges do you often face and how do you overcome them?
Conducting research in remote regions means you are facing different challenges every day. Prioritizing those problems on their importance is a key part of my job as project manager. It ranges from boat engines not working, to research equipment getting damaged when you are in the field, to transporting live tissue samples to the lab 4 hour plane ride away.
On the other side it's reacting to interns' feedback on improvements and concerns and providing them a safe and inclusive working and learning environment so they can make the most out of their program. We have lovingly dubbed what we do "jungle science" because sometimes we need to get creative to get the job done.
Swimming with sharks is no big deal because sharks are the absolute best!
What are some current projects you are working on?
Our dive master and research diver training program is the result of many people's life work. Our award winning curriculum is the foundation of our project. But now we are at a time when we can branch out.
Pascal, our Chief Scientific Officer, and I are working on developing our Research Fellowships, to invite more students in Indonesia and abroad to collaborate on independent thesis projects. Serena, our Program Director, is weeks away from completing the highest level of professional diving, Instructor Trainer with Scuba Schools International. Soon we will be able to offer Instructor and SSI Crossover courses while combining with our signature in depth training of ecology and conservation courses.
I am also collaborating with liveaboard and sail boats in Indonesia to develop research and diving expeditions. Soon we will be taking our research projects on the road in these shorter programs on board a sailing vessel to even more remote regions of Indonesia. All of these directions are very exciting and in line with our project mission to conserve the marine environment through research and education.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Don't be afraid to venture out on your own. Solo traveling is when the magic happens. When you can't speak the language, learn the cultural language. Do your research on the cultural do's and don'ts and FOLLOW THEM! Don't try to push your beliefs on others, especially when working in developing nations.
Making that small effort to learn a few greetings and dressing appropriately transcends language barriers and welcomes you into an incredible point of view. String bikinis should stay on the beaches of Europe and Florida. Meet new people, take the wrong turns, jump in when the water is cold, dark, and choppy. And buy a camera sooner.
What makes the Indo Ocean Project special?
Our unique dive master and research diver internship is one of a kind. And I can say that with confidence. Creating an amazing experience for our interns is second only to developing worthwhile research and data collection projects. Interns with us know how the data they collect is being used and makes it all the more worthwhile experience.
Why should someone choose the Indo Ocean Project over competitors?
We work in conservation, this isn't a competition and after some extensive research I can honestly say that no two conservation projects are the same. They have developed organically from the people who work there and the needs of the environment. So what I would say is find the project that is right for you. You will do both the Indo Ocean Project and yourself a disservice if you come in with different expectations.
No matter your choice, make sure you get all your questions answered before any flights are booked or deposits are paid. It is important for us that you know exactly what you are getting yourself into. We also put you in contact with our ambassadors, graduates of similar backgrounds to talk about their experience.
What hopes do you have for the future for the Indo Ocean Project?
We want to publish more of our work in peer reviewed journals. We want to collaborate with more international and Indonesian university institutions and students to help facilitate thesis level research. We want to expand our project to more remote areas of the ocean to help establish or assess marine protected areas based on scientific truths. We want to continue to be a platform for aspiring ocean professions.
What is the Indo Ocean Project’s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
To conserve the marine environment through research, education, and sharing of knowledge. We achieve our goals through our award winning dive master and research diver training program while contributing to the scientific community through the publication of our work in peer reviewed journals. We are also seeking hard working ocean warriors to join our team.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
On top of the multiple internationally recognized diving and marine ecology certifications, we hope that our interns develop confidence below and above the waves. That the experience, certifications, and connections gained during their program are used throughout their professional lives. Many of our interns join us with the intention to continue on as an ocean professional, either through continued education or the dive industry worldwide.
It is worth it to see all the tiny little islands of Raja Ampat in Indonesia.
How do you help support participants?
Our program is designed to provide the necessary experience and certifications required to land a paid position in the industry. Through our network in diving and marine research worldwide we strive to connect our graduates with potential employers after their program, and are known to hire many of our interns as full time paid staff at one of our projects.
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
I believe that a lot of the world's environmental issues can be solved by people traveling and experiencing new cultures and environments. Not until we are out of our comfort zone will we find the answers. I believe that climate change is the biggest issue facing our modern world. It is known that these changes are negatively affecting marginalized communities (for example remote coastal communities in countries like Indonesia).
Before you can solve the problem you have to admit there is one. It is not possible to travel and engage with local communities and cultures without seeing the problem first hand. I believe that global problems CAN have local solutions. When the community is strong and consistent then you can enact real change from within.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
I think having a meaningful travel experience combines personal growth with positive impact. We travel to broaden our minds and experience new things or more importantly, seeing old things in a new way. Instead of going on a holiday, sign up for a course, learn a new skill or language, expand who you are and grow as an individual.
However, this can not be done at the cost of that local community. Ethical travel means positively engaging with the local community (and economy). Get out of the resort and buy local, employ local tour guides, and try the local food. You can always find a community beach clean up or workshops to get involved in.
