Today we're getting to know Wavemaker Gillian, a shark photographer, and hearing the inspiring story of how she made this her career.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in science, and specifically in your specialty?

I didn’t grow up dreaming of a career in marine science — in fact, I was terrified of sharks as a child, which is quite ironic given that I grew up in Switzerland, a landlocked country. That fear was paired with curiosity, though, and everything changed when I was 13 and went on my first scuba dive during a family holiday. Seeing a shark in the water for the first time completely challenged everything I thought I knew. Instead of being this “monster” the media portrays them to be, the shark was calm and even shy.

That moment turned my fear into a fascination that never left me. Over time, through training and internships with Swiss shark researcher Dr. Erich Ritter, I began to understand shark behavior more deeply and realized how misunderstood these animals are. My path into science and conservation grew from that fascination, combined with a strong desire to help change perceptions. Photography became my way of bridging science and storytelling — using images to translate knowledge into something people can emotionally connect with.

2. Can you share a memorable experience from your research or an expedition that shaped your perspective on ocean conservation?

Some of the most formative experiences for me came during my internships assisting Dr. Erich Ritter with shark–human interaction research. Being involved in hands-on research — observing shark behavior up close and learning how precise, respectful and evidence-based conservation work needs to be — fundamentally shaped how I see ocean protection. What stayed with me most wasn’t one single moment but the realization of how important education is when it comes to sharks. They are such a polarizing animal — everyone seems to “know” a lot about them, yet much of that knowledge is shaped by myths, fear or misinformation rather than science. It showed me how powerful visual storytelling can be in changing perceptions — and how photography can be a bridge between science, emotion and understanding. When I began bringing home photographs taken with my first small compact camera, friends and family would look at the images in awe and share that seeing sharks portrayed in an aesthetically beautiful, calm way helped them feel less afraid and more curious. I’ve heard this response many times over the years and it continues to motivate me to use photography as a tool for education and conservation.

3. What advice do you have for young girls and women interested in pursuing careers in science, especially those who love the ocean?

My biggest advice would be: you don’t need to follow a perfectly linear path. I certainly didn’t. I started out afraid of sharks, trained as a primary school teacher and later completed an MBA — none of which looked like a direct route into marine science at first glance. But every skill I gained along the way now plays a role in what I do. For young girls and women, especially, I’d encourage staying curious, asking questions and trusting that your interests are valid — even if they don’t fit neatly into a single category. Science needs communicators, educators, creatives and project coordinators just as much as it needs researchers. And if you love the ocean, there are countless ways to contribute to its protection.

4. What is your vision for the future of marine science, and how can we all contribute to preserving our oceans?

I believe the future of marine science will rely increasingly on accessibility and connection. The science itself is vital but it needs to be communicated in ways that people can understand, relate to and act upon. As digital platforms continue to grow, there’s enormous potential to reach broader audiences and involve communities who may never set foot in a research lab or dive underwater. We can all contribute by staying informed, supporting conservation initiatives and being mindful of how our daily choices affect the ocean. Even small actions, combined with better education and storytelling, can lead to meaningful change. My hope is to continue working at the intersection of science, education and communication — helping translate research into stories that inspire care, respect and long-term protection for our oceans.

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