Journey towards an Ocean Citizen

Aside my academical commitment....

Embarking on my journey to become a marine biologist, I recognized the importance of complementing my academic pursuits with a diverse range of skills and experiences. From a young age, I dedicated myself to cultivating a multifaceted skill set that extends beyond traditional coursework, thereby enriching my academic journey.

A significant aspect of my commitment involves delving into the depths of the ocean through scuba diving. Embracing this adventurous pursuit, I've earned numerous certifications within both the PADI system and the French diving curriculum. These certifications not only signify my proficiency in navigating underwater environments but also reflect my dedication to mastering the technical intricacies of marine exploration.

In addition to mastering the art of scuba diving, I seized the opportunity to broaden my horizons by obtaining a boat driving licence. Regularly navigating the open waters, I have developed my maritime skills, positioning myself as a proficient boat driver. This proficiency not only adds a practical dimension to my marine biology pursuits but also underscores my commitment to a comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems.

Recognizing the importance of visual storytelling in the scientific realm, I set out to refine my photography and artistic skills. With the aim of representing underwater life from both an artistic and scientific perspective, I've undertaken dedicated efforts to capture the essence of marine environments. This fusion of art and science not only enhances my ability to communicate findings but also allows me to portray the beauty of the marine world with an informed eye.

Complementing my hands-on experiences, I actively engage in intership, volunteering and continuous training within the field of marine biology. Whether participating in conservation initiatives or attending specialized workshops, these extracurricular involvements contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of marine ecosystems. They provide practical insights, enabling me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios and fostering a deep sense of responsibility for marine conservation.

In essence, my commitment to scuba diving, boat licence, artistic representation, volunteering, and ongoing training forms a rich tapestry that elevates my academic journey in marine biology. These varied experiences not only expand my skill set but also underscore my passion for the subject, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful contribution to the field.

DIVING SKILLS

Certifications

PADI Divemaster

PADI Rescue and EFR

PADI Drysuit

FFESSM N3

PADI and FFESSM Nitrox speciality

Emergency First Aid

Dry suit

I learnt how to master the drysuit during my first year at university, with SubAqua, the unversity diving society. Diving in both the swimming pool and lakes I gained experience in drysuit diving which I am now able to utilise when waters are too cold to still enjoy dives.

Scientific Diving

I currently seaching for a scholarship or some funding towards a Scientific Diving course. I believe that in addition to my course, a scientific diving certification will complment my profile enabling me to perform underwater data sampling and observation as a scientist.

BOAT DRIVING LICENSE

Coastal Licence

With this license, I gain the ability to operate motorboats with an engine power exceeding 6 horsepower at sea. In practical terms, this translates to approximately 10 kilometers from a designated anchoring point or a harbour where the boat is securely moored.

One of the distinctive features of the Coastal Licence is its versatility. Beyond the expansive sea, it extends its jurisdiction to include enclosed lakes and inland waterways, opening up a myriad of scenic possibilities for maritime exploration.

INTERSHIPS

The MMCO

The MMCO is an Accredited Observer of the International Whaling Commission

The aims and objectives of MMCO, are the surveys, studies and protections of large endangered marine creatures. MMCO mainly focuses on Whales, Turtles and Sharks in Mauritian waters. Its objective is to sensitize fishers, marine operators and local communities about the importance of protecting and respecting these creatures.

During my intership, I sailed out to sea every second day, to oberve and analyse the migratory, reproductive and feeing behaviour of sperm whales. By taking images, above and underwater, I then learnt to analyse the results using a program for the analysis of animal social behaviour, called SOCPROG. This program using MATLAB language converting data matrixes into diagrams and statisticall outputs.

Marine Discovery Centre

Lagoon Attitude - Maurice

The Marine Discovery Centre is dedicated to preserving the marine and coastal environment, with the aim of educating and raising awareness among the local community and all those who frequent the lagoon. Founded by the Green Attitude Foundation, the centre was launched in 2010 in collaboration with a local NGO.

TORSOOI database

During my intership, my mission was to track the sea turtles in the Mauritian Reef. Using a program designed for turtles in the Mascarene plate, I created a profile for new turtles using the scale pattern on either side of their head.

Creation of "the urchin" game

During my time at this intnerhsip, I developed a game to educate all public on sea urchin, their need and their role in the ocean. This game allows children and adults to learn while playing, developing knwoledge on the ocean.

VETERINARY PRACTICE TRAINING

Marine Mammal Medic Course

BDMLR’s Marine Mammal Medic Course (MMMC) is a full training programme designed to provide with the basic knowledge, skills and expertise to enable volunteer teams to respond to a callout and act on behalf of that animal’s best welfare interests. On completion of the course I have been added to BDMLR’s Marine Mammal Medic database, which is used to alert medics of nearby animals in distress.

I took this training in order to be exposed a more animal and veterniary based marine biology, where I am able to participate in the rescue and rehabilitation program for marine mammals, mostly seals and occasional larger species such as whales. I am now able to distinguish between the help needed for each species, whether it be a stranding or something requiring medical attention. With my training I am able to return all mammals to the sea in the case of a stranding, alone for smaller species and with a team for larger whales and dolphins.

Veterinary externship

Cibyn Veterinary Clinic is a vet practice located in Caernarfon, in Wales. The surgery provides all cares for animals. Snowdonia Eye Vets, as part of Cibyn Veterinary Clinic, are able to provide pets with a full ophthalmology referral service, allowing you to refer complex eye cases, with confidence.

I work at the surgery every wednesday afternoon, observing all types of work in the practice, from small checkups to large scale surgeries. I am able to ask questions and get a good insight into the veterinary work world.

ARTISTIC SKILLS

Photography

Scientific drawings

Watercolor

The development and practice of artistic skills, such as photography, sketching, and drawing, represent invaluable assets for a biology professional seeking to communicate their findings effectively. Beyond the realm of scientific data, visual representation serves as a powerful tool to bridge the gap between complex research and broader audiences. Photography allows for the documentation of intricate details, capturing the essence of biological phenomena with clarity and precision. Sketching and drawing, on the other hand, enable the synthesis of scientific information into visually comprehensible forms, facilitating the communication of complex concepts. These artistic skills not only enhance the accessibility of scientific information but also provide a means to evoke emotional connections, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the subject matter. In the dynamic field of biology, where conveying intricate details is paramount, the fusion of scientific knowledge with artistic expression becomes a compelling means to engage, educate, and inspire a diverse audience.

In addition to photography, sketching, and drawing, the incorporation of watercolor skills further amplifies the toolkit of a biology professional, especially one immersed in marine narratives or scientific publications. Watercolor brings a unique dimension to visual storytelling, allowing for the creation of vibrant and evocative illustrations that breathe life into marine ecosystems. The fluidity and transparency of watercolor techniques lend themselves well to capturing the dynamic and diverse nature of underwater environments. Whether illustrating marine organisms, ecosystems, or field observations, watercolor provides a medium that conveys both scientific accuracy and artistic expression. This versatile skill enhances the biologist's ability to communicate their research in a visually captivating manner, making scientific narratives more engaging and accessible to a wider audience. The fusion of photography, sketching, drawing, and watercolor not only enriches the scientific discourse but also transforms the communication of marine findings into a visually compelling and immersive experience.

Biology sketch drawing

This year I have completed many dissections, which means I must have adequate scientific drawing skills to correctly annotate and explain my dissections. I have dissect a number of marine organisms including a starfish, a cat shark, a sea urchin mussels... During all these dissections I aim to draw the external and internal features, with occasionally an extra detail on certain systems such as the digestive track in the cat shark.

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