Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society

Have sharks really been around longer than the North Star? Conservation scientist and National Geographic Explorer, Arzucan Askin reveals the answer and tells us why sharks are "evolutionary masterpieces" that deserve to be cherished and protected.

The role of Art and Science during Ocean Week Canada!???? This year during Ocean Week I had the joy of engaging the public through art as a powerful way to communicate the wonders and importance of our ocean. I created a live painting activation merging creativity with conservation to raise awareness and inspire action for our oceans. As one of Ocean Week Canada’s Resident Artists, I joined up with Ripley's Aquarium to invite the public to contribute to a community painting. On World Ocean Day this June 8th passerby’s at the aquarium were invited to paint a fish where they feel connected to water in Canada. Art has the unique ability to translate complex scientific concepts into beautiful, relatable stories. Art invites participation, making worlds of discovery accessible and captivating for everyone. I look forward to using the lens of art to continue to inspire change and ensure a sustainable future for our oceans.

I am absolutely honoured to announce that I have been selected as the 2024 Australasian Scholar of Our World-Underwater Scholarship Society?. The scholarship provides me with an opportunity to catapault my skills in scientific scuba diving, marine megfauna movement, and science communication across the globe for the next year. I am 1 of 3 scholars selected across the world for 2024, with this year marking the 50th anniversary of the inception of the society in 1974. When I found this scholarship, I almost didn't apply because I never thought I would be worthy of such a competitive and prestigious opportunity. I am humbled, joyous, and full of excitement, ready for what the year will bring!! I want to thank the countless number of people who have helped me grow to be here in the last 6 years of my undergraduate degrees. From family and friends to colleagues at various jobs, and the many patient incredible supervisors who have guided me towards becoming a kind and critical marine scientist. I simply wouldn't be here without all of your support. I would like to thank the coordinators of @owuss_australasia and the primary sponsor @rolex. If you would like to learn more about the society and scholarship, check out @owuss_

I am back in Indonesia! But this time I stayed in Bali visiting the?Coral Triangle Center (CTC) assisting with coral maintenance, working with the CTC’s?Center for Marine Conservation, and even celebrating a Balinese holiday! This was a really cool opportunity to see behind the scenes of another NGO and help with meaningful work in another part of the world. Read more about my experience here! https://lnkd.in/eJbM6AqF

I had the joy of attending DEMA which marked the halfway point of my scholarship year! This was my first time ever attending an event like this and it was really fun seeing all the different aspects of the diving industry. Here I was also able to say hello to my sponsors, past and future hosts, and present?my mid-year video?which I am really proud of! Read about my experience at DEMA and check out my mid-year video (link can be found in the blog)! https://lnkd.in/gNq3K-qy