Why We Exist
Oceancare Alliance translates marine science into stories and
actions that create real change
We’re a student-led nonprofit bridging the gap between knowing
and doing—connecting scientific research with community impact
through social media education, strategic partnerships, and
direct action
The Gap That Started It All
In summer 2023, I conducted research showing how polystyrene
microplastics shorten the lifespan of Aliivibrio fischeri, a type of
bioluminescent bacteria found in organisms like the Hawaiian
bobtail squid. The peer review process was rigorous. The data
was solid. The conclusions were alarming.
Then I went to the beach.
Every family was using the same zinc oxide sunscreens my
research showed were toxic to marine bacteria. When I mentioned
our findings, they looked at me blankly. One mom said, “That’s
nice, dear,” and went back to her phone.
That’s when I realized: publishing isn’t the same as
communicating. Science isn’t the same as storytelling.
Knowledge isn’t the same as change.
My research paper reached maybe 50 people. My TikTok videos
explaining the same research reached 4,200.
That gap—between knowing and doing—is why Oceancare
Alliance exists.
Our Values (As we're learning)
Accesibility Over Expertise
Science shouldn’t require a PhD to understand or care about
Community Over Credentials
The best solutions often come from unexpected places—like
12-year-old camp participant’s retractable crabbing line design
Transparency Over Polish
We share our failures and lessons learned so other student
organizers can build on what we’ve figured out
How We Create Change
We work at three levels:
Creating accessible content that makes marine science understandable and actionable: from YouTube talks to TikTok quick facts
Connecting resources to need. When NOAA's summer camp faced funding cuts, we recruited volunteers. When Salish Sea Sciences needed research funding, we directed corporate grants their way
From volunteering at the Seattle Aquarium to organizing beach cleanups to developing conservation merchandise, putting science into practice to reach more people
Next Steps
Looking Ahead
After I graduate in 2026, Oceancare Alliance will continue
with a transition plan. This work is bigger than any me—it’s about
building continuing to support local Washingtonians in the future.
Because the ocean doesn’t need another high achiever’s résumé
line. It needs people who show up, listen, learn, and help
others do the same.
Support us with our growth a donation of your time or resources
[Last updated: August 2025]
