The Surprising Technology–the Northwest Clam Gardens
I used to think “cutting-edge ocean technology” meant underwater drones, satellite systems, and equipment that costs more than my future college tuition. You know—things with buttons. Things that beep. Then I learned about clam gardens. For at least 3,500 years, Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest have been building rock walls along shorelines at low […]
Beyond the Bake Sale: Learning the Language of Impact
When I started Oceancare Alliance, my focus was on direct action: making videos, organizing volunteers, and sharing my passion for the ocean on social media with anyone who would listen. I believed—and still do—that passion is the fuel for change. But I quickly learned that to make a bigger, more sustainable impact, I knew I […]
When Rocks Beat Silicon: Indigenous Ocean Tech That’s Been Working for 6,000+ Years
Here’s a confession: I used to think “cutting-edge ocean technology” meant expensive sensors, satellite imaging, and research vessels that cost more than my college tuition. Then I learned about clam gardens. And eel weirs. And fishponds that fed entire kingdoms. And I realized that the most sophisticated ocean technology isn’t always found in a lab—sometimes […]
Investing in Curiosity: Salish Sea Science is in the Hands of Young Scientists
Science truly comes alive when you can feel it, touch it, and measure it for yourself. That’s why I’ve been so inspired by the work of Salish Sea Sciences, a program that takes high school students out of the classroom and places them right in the heart of one of the most incredible marine ecosystems […]
From Campers to Innovators: Middle Schoolers at the NOAA camp!
There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you get a group of middle schoolers excited about science. It’s a chaotic, brilliant energy that I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand last summer as a counselor at the NOAA Science Camp in Seattle, you know, the one right next to Magnuson Park. But this […]
Robots, 3D Printers, and Baby Corals: The High-Tech Future of Reef Rescue
Even though I don’t live in the tropics and am not physically able to dive, I can still stare at coral reefs all day long. Reefs are the vibrant, bustling cities of the sea. Though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they support a staggering 25% of all marine life. But these […]
Your Phone Can Save the Ocean: How You Can Be a Scientist from the Seashore
Ocean conservation can feel like a massive challenge, but what if I told you that you have a powerful research tool in your pocket? Welcome to the world of “citizen science,” a global movement where people like you collaborate with researchers to gather vital scientific data. And thanks to some amazing apps, it’s easier than […]
The Ocean’s Digital Twin: Can AI Help Us Save the Seas?
When I was analyzing the data from my research on bioluminescent bacteria, I spent hours staring at my computer screen, using software to measure the pixel intensity of our petri dishes to calculate mortality rates. It was painstaking, but it taught me a fundamental truth: modern conservation is built on data. My small experiment generated […]
Tiny Shells, Big Questions: Teaching at Newport Heights!
On the 21st, we had the chance to participate in an elementary school science fair, where we set up a booth alongside other STEM clubs from Newport and neighboring schools. Our goal was simple: get younger students excited about marine science in a way that felt fun, interactive, and meaningful. We knew we needed something […]
Brains, Buzzers, and the Deep Blue: My Dive Into Orca Bowl
This year, I got to compete in the Orca Bowl, a fast-paced marine science competition that brought together my love for the ocean and my inner competitor. The event combines buzzer-style trivia with free-response team questions, all centered around eight marine science categories like biology, chemistry, geology, and technology. Each team has four members, and […]