Marine Forensics
Enjoy solving puzzles or figuring out how and why things happen? Curious about accidents under water? Fascinated by crime scenes, forensic science, or environmental investigations? Want to help uncover the causes of marine disasters and contamination?
My journey in Marine Science began over the last 10 years, from helping members of the National Geological Survey tag sharks, to chatting with fishermen about the great white sharks passing through to rescuing the occasional horseshoe crab stranded on the sand. Every experience sparked more questions and fueled my curiosity. Did you know stingrays constantly shed their own spines, sometimes two at a time? How cool is that!
This summer, I was thrilled to be one of twenty-seven students selected for Brown University’s Environmental Leadership Lab (BELL) Pre-College program at the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. There, I learned the essentials of conducting research, developed and presented an Action Plan to address environmental challenges, and connected with and made new friends with students from around the world who share my love for Marine Science! See my journal entries and pictures from the experience below!
Building on these experiences, I wanted to explore the investigative side of marine science more deeply. In October, I participated in the University of Florida’s GatorWISE: DNA Forensic program. A highlight was a lecture by Forensic Investigator Felicia Peña, who shared how investigators analyze evidence, reconstruct accident and crime scenes, and uphold strict ethical standards! Hearing her discuss real cases brought the field to life and inspired me to think critically about how forensic science uncovers truths in both marine and terrestrial environments! I’ll keep you posted as my journey continues…
Recently, I was thrilled to be accepted into Yale Young Global Scholars (YYGS), chosen from over 13,000 applicants. In the Solving Global Challenges session, I’ll collaborate with an international cohort on global issues while applying insights locally through initiatives like GO GIRL and my work in marine forensics. This experience will strengthen my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, tools I plan to use to uncover the hidden stories of our oceans.
For information about Brown’s Pre-College Program visit
Brown Environmental Leadership Lab: Florida Keys | Pre-College Program | Brown University.
For more information about YYGS:
About | Yale Young Global Scholars
The defining moment when my interest expanded into the world of Forensics was after reading a recent article published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science (March 25,2025), that uncovered evidence of far-reaching ecosystem consequences following the disappearance of Great white sharks from False Bay, South Africa. The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, found several key findings including the decline in great white sharks… and it got me thinking…what if it’s not just the ecosystem that’s contributing to their decline? What other factors may be contributing? How are humans contributing to their decline, what’s being done to investigate, and how do you conduct such an investigation?
My curious mind beckoned me to learn more about the world of forensics and the skills required, so in the Summer of 2025, after reaching out to Mr. Tom Bush, a retired FBI Assistant Director and former agent, I secured an Advisory Internship with him. He and I began regular meetings to introduce me to the world of Marine Forensic Investigators.
To read more about this fascinating study, please see Diana Udel’s article here: Ecosystem disrupted following the disappearance of Great white sharks, new study finds
