Hi friends! I’m Aliya. I believe in the power of combining creative passion and environmental stewardship. My work involves pairing educational content with striking visuals to inspire people to conserve our blue planet.

I am a marine biologist, science communicator, and field photographer.

Entering field data for the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish management program on the Great Barrier Reef.

I have followed a non-linear path to learn about the way people and wildlife coexist.

  • Completed a B.Sc Animal Biosciences (2017) with a focus on human-animal interactions and wildlife management.

  • Staff Intern with Marine Conservation Philippines (August 2018-February 2019), where I completed multiple dive certifications, monitored local marine protected areas, trained volunteers in benthic and fish identification.

  • Completed a M.Sc Marine Biology (Professional) (2021) where I supported research on dwarf minke whales, sharks, tourism, social science, and small-scale fisheries.

  • Spent two years working on a research vessel and assessing reef health as a scientific diver for the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish project for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.

  • Marine biologist and snorkel guide at the world-renowned Lady Elliot Island Eco-Resort.

I’ve always

What services can I provide?

Currently, I am seeking opportunities to focus on my science communication career and building my media and writing portfolio.

I am available for photography and photojournalism shoots on scientific endeavors both above and below the surface in Perth, Australia.

I can provide writing and editing assistance for scientific content creation. I am also available for drone, underwater, and other videography assistance.

Free-diving with GoPro at Lady Elliot Island.

Scuba diving on the GBR with an Olympus TG5. Scientific diving has provided me with excellent buoyancy skills.

Qualifications:

  • PADI Divemaster with over 600 scientific dives

  • PADI Freediver (Level 1)

  • Coxswain Grade 1 NC

  • AS2299 Dive Medical

  • First Aid, CPR, Advanced Resuscitation

  • Current US Passport (expires 2030)

A casual freediving and photography mission on a glass-out day in the Sunshine Coast.

Interview for JCU with F&F lab director Dr. Andrew Chin