Diving for Rays is an award-winning documentary short that covers my journey to becoming a marine biologist as a queer woman.

 

This film was produced by my spouse Angel Morris and my dear friend Nova West. Diving for Rays soft-premiered for the Corps of Exploration with Dr. Robert Ballard and National Geographic Society leadership and scientists aboard the E/V Nautilus. The film was accepted to the San Diego Environmental Film Festival, where it won the Audience Choice Award and scored second place in their category. Diving for Rays has also screened at the Thunder Bay International Film Festival, the World Water Film Festival, Film Out San Diego, and The Video Consortium in London. 

 

We partnered with the organization 500 Queer Scientists to utilize the film to uplift LGBTQ+ voices in science in all kinds of fields and disciplines.

 

Diving for Rays was made possible by grants and resources from Jackson Wild, Ocean Culture Life, and many more.

I'm extremely passionate about connecting younger generations to local conservation opportunities, especially here in Southern California. I've created and led environmental stewardship programs with organizations like the National Marine Mammal Foundation, San Diego Audubon, and California Fish and Wildlife, and many more. Together, we've made hands-on initiatives that mix outdoor recreation, education, and stewardship to not just get kids outside, but to really connect them to the nature they live in, and get them excited about wanting to take care of it.

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In addition, I also have experience in making science and outdoor recreation more accessible to marginalized communities. As a queer person in STEM, I especially feel called to create opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect with the natural world - a space many queer people find healing and safety. I've collaborated with organizations like Jackson Wild to develop initiatives to do just that.

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