“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

- Jacques Yves Cousteau -

The start of a grand adventure...

When I arrived at Auburn University in August 2012, I had never been scuba diving. As a PhD student in the field of marine ecology, I knew I would complete my scuba certification at some point, but I had not idea that this sport would become my favorite past time.

In the Beginning

Me getting ready for one of my first dives.

I completed my SSI Advanced Open Water certification in Spring 2013 after a semester long Scuba I class that included trips to a freshwater spring and Panama City, FL. As soon as I completed the class, I knew I wanted to advance my knowledge and skills within the sport so, in Fall 2013 I took Scuba II. I gained specialties including Nitrox and Stress and Rescue.

Teaching the Sport

Scuba student on a certification trip in Cozumel

In Fall 2015, I began the SSI Dive Control Specialist certification course because I love teaching and want to share my passion for diving with others. I finished by training in Winter 2015 and am now a Dive Con and Assistant Instructor, as well as, a certified Dive Guide and Dive Master. Each semester I teach a group of undergraduates how to dive!

The Jouney Continues

My AAUS scientific diving class photo

Summer 2014 brought an exciting opportunity for me in the realm of diving. I completed an AAUS certification course and gained skills that made me completely comfortable underwater. This course certified me as a scientific diver under AAUS standards. We completed training in high current, low visibility water and learned to use diving as a skill in the workforce.

My Future with Diving

My future on the horizon in the Bahamas

Although I began diving to complete field research, I now know that it will be my favorite and most expensive hobby for the rest of my life. I plan to become a dive instructor in the future, but for now, I am very interested in underwater photography and enjoy getting away to swim with the fishes whenever I can!

Periclimenes yucatanicus Florida Keys - March 2014	Puffer Fish Among Rays Grand Cayman - June 2014	The Beauty of the Reef Grand Cayman - June 2014
Yellow Stingray Cozumel, Mexico - March 2015	Juvenile Queen Angelfish Grand Cayman - June 2014	Condylactis gigantea Cozumel, Mexico - March 2015
Moray Eel Cozumel, Mexico - March 2015	Razorfish Grand Cayman - June 2014	Swimming with the Rays Grand Cayman - June 2014