“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!
Memorable Dive Photos