Wildlife and Travel Photographer

My Scholarship entry - Wildlife and residents of Bangweulu Wetlands

Zambia | Friday, November 21, 2014 | 5 photos

Travel photography—a passion I’ve let simmer on the back burner while I focused on more ‘practical’ pursuits: degrees in physics and biology at MIT; a masters in conservation; two years on research projects throughout Africa; and finally (finally!), a PhD in ecology.
While studying, I did a few projects to present science to the public and convey a conservation message through photography. Then I decided that perhaps travel photography isn’t so unreasonable after all, and I’ve given myself a year to make it work! The toughest part has been to make the right connections and meet helpful mentors. I’m so excited for this opportunity with Mr Edwards!
I’ve had a few small successes so far. My photo essay is from a volunteer job photographing the Bangweulu Wetlands for NGO African Parks, for which I won a science communication prize and got the cover of a magazine! Besides self-taught technical photo skills and creative chops, my work is backed by a strong academic foundation in conservation and solid writing skills. I’m dedicated to telling the stories of some of the world’s most amazing places, to help protect them by engaging the public. Peru would be a huge step forward!