Ever since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of working at a marine science institute. So, when the opportunity arose to intern at the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology (HIMB), I knew I had to seize it. HIMB is renowned for its pioneering research in coral reef ecology and conservation, making significant contributions to understanding and protecting these vital marine ecosystems. It also houses a marine mammal research program, which particularly caught my interest.
After contacting several HIMB labs, I received an enthusiastic response from Lars Bejder, the director of the program. He even connected me with Claire Lacey, who promptly offered me a science communication internship.
Figures (left to right): Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology; Marine Mammal Research Program (MMRP lab)
Finding affordable housing in Hawaii proved challenging. Fortunately, through a Facebook connection, I found a room to rent from a girl eager to travel Asia, allowing me to comfortably settle in for the three-month program. With diving gear and camera packed, I eagerly awaited the adventure.
Saying goodbye to loved ones was tough, but my excitement for the unknown – a future job or simply a transformative experience – propelled me forward. The long journey from Munich to Honolulu, via San Francisco, was well worth it.
My experience surpassed even my wildest dreams. Witnessing sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals during snorkelling excursions were personal highlights beyond my internship duties.
Figures (left to right): Green Sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) basking at Laniakea beach (North Shore, Oahu: you could possibly mistake them for a rock!); green sea turtle close-up; Newborn Hawaiian monk seal (Monachus schauinslandi) pup with Mum on May 2nd in Kaimana beach
At HIMB, on Coconut Island, my primary role was science communication. I developed engaging content for the Marine Mammal Research Program’s social media platforms, raising awareness about environmental issues and showcasing the lab’s research. This involved in-depth research, scientist interviews, and content creation across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. My skills expanded to video production and infographic design – you can see my work on the MMRP’s Facebook (Marine Mammal Research Program University of Hawaii) and Instagram (mmrp_uh) pages from March to April, featuring fun initiatives like “Tag Week” and “Drone Week.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of working at HIMB was the daily commute – a beautiful blend of biking, busing, and taking the institute’s shuttle boat to Coconut Island. After work, I explored the vibrant fringing reefs around the island, encountering a kaleidoscope of tropical fish and colourful sea cucumbers. My mornings were spent swimming with green sea turtles in the seagrass meadows near Fort De Russy Beach, capturing their graceful movements and unique behaviours. Witnessing them feeding and interacting with their environment was awe-inspiring.
Video of sea turtle swimming:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8fywBMvuru/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
My passion for science communication extended beyond the lab. I reached out to the Research Experience & Mentoring in Science (REMS) program, a group dedicated to educating tourists and schoolchildren about marine research at HIMB. Seeing complex scientific concepts effectively communicated to diverse audiences was truly inspiring. This experience solidified my aspiration to become a marine biologist dedicated to both fieldwork and public education across all areas of marine science and conservation.
My love for the ocean didn’t stop here. I participated in a remarkable reef dive at Horseshoe Reef, encountering more sea turtles, breathtaking coral formations, and a variety of marine life.
Video of horseshoe reef:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6lLTFcOImg/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
I also joined a clean-up dive in Honolulu, collecting trash from the coastal area. The amount of pollution was disheartening, a stark reminder of our collective responsibility towards the ocean. It was during a morning snorkel that I saw a sea turtle entangled in a plastic six-pack ring – a powerful reminder of the threats marine animals face.
Figures (left to right): trash collected after cleanup dive at Magic Island (Honolulu); me being “Mahalo” (Hawaiian for being grateful) for this experience; green sea turtle with sixpack ring around shoulder
Leaving Oahu after the internship was bittersweet. However, new opportunities awaited. I was offered a position as Community and Project Manager for an Ocean Foundation in Germany. This role involved providing feedback on marine educational programmes for Ocean Camps in Southern France and the North Sea. This perfectly aligned with my interest in ocean advocacy and education, a passion nurtured throughout my HIMB journey. Now I’m trying to pursue a long-held dream of working as a marine behavioural biologist studying whales, ultimately combining science and marine education.
Hawaii fulfilled a lifelong dream, where I discovered my purpose and solidified my commitment to protecting our oceans. Now, with renewed determination, I embark on the next chapter, determined to make a lasting impact on the health of our planet’s oceans for generations to come.
To aspiring marine biologists, I say: never give up on your dreams. The path may be rocky, but with perseverance, you will reach the finish line. Remember, fieldwork can be incredibly rewarding and solidifying. Embrace the challenges, learn from your experiences, and stay passionate about your goals.
I have a master’s degree in marine biology, ecology, and behavioural biology obtained from the University of Vienna. Since I can remember I wanted to become a marine biologist, despite growing up in a country without an ocean, but I guess my South African roots just kept on pushing to make this dream come true. After graduation I spent a year in Australia and assisted several NGOs with marine educational talks and citizen science programmes. Here I had the privilege of observing humpback whales on their annual migration passed the eastern coast of Australia, and participating in seagrass and rockpool monitoring activities. With a heavy heart I left Australia, but soon after obtained a position as a marine educator at Malta National Aquarium. Today I am based in Germany exploring marine critters in the North and Baltic Sea and if I am not too busy, you’ll find me diving in the Red Sea, blogging on my Facebook page, swimming, running, reading, and meditating.
