Hello everyone! I’m Ellie, and I finished my MSc in Marine Environmental Management at the University of York a month ago. My interests are primarily in manta ray conservation and science communication.

I’ve taken an unconventional route into marine conservation as my BA (Hons) was in English Literature at the University of Warwick. After finishing my degree in 2016, I went travelling, saw my first coral reef and tried scuba diving for the first time. I quickly became obsessed and dived in Australia, Malaysia, Borneo and Sri Lanka, before qualifying and working as a Divemaster at a dive school in Thailand. That was it, I was smitten.

I returned to the UK to a supervisory role in a small business within the organic cosmetics industry, and was set to work my way to a managerial position. But I quickly realised I wouldn't be happy until I tried for a career in marine conservation. So I gambled and applied for my MSc - best decision I've ever made!

Unfortunately my master’s year was turned upside-down by Covid-19 and I had to cancel the opportunities I secured for field work in the Maldives and with manta rays in Mozambique. Fingers and toes crossed, I’m hoping to get to Mozambique in 2021!

For now, I’m working on publishing my thesis with the Manta Trust, whilst also looking for internships and jobs within the communications sector. I’m also enjoying having the time to walk my puppy Archie and roller skating as my lockdown exercise. I signed up for this course to give my CV a boost during Lockdown 2.0. I’m so excited to e-meet you all!