Celebrating the Women of Science at Cayman Turtle Centre

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a global celebration of the incredible contributions women make to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

This year, the theme focuses on women’s leadership in science as a new era for sustainability, recognizing the vital role that women and girls play in shaping a more sustainable future.

At the Cayman Turtle Conservation and Education Centre (CTC), we are privileged to have a team of brilliant women working tirelessly to educate, research, and conserve our precious wildlife.

Today, we take a moment to shine a spotlight on three incredible women who are making a difference in science right here in the Cayman Islands.

Shona McGill – Education Programmes Officer & Turtle Release Coordinator

Shona McGill is a passionate and dedicated animal behaviorist and zoo educator with eight years of experience fostering connections between people and wildlife through education.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Animal Behaviour and Welfare from Anglia Ruskin University before returning home to join a career field that inspired, engaged, and evolved her love of animals and the natural environment.

In her role as Education Programmes Officer, she is responsible for CTC’s educational projects, programs, and events—hosting onsite, offsite, and virtual educational presentations and tours to park guests, corporations, and students ranging from preschool to college/university level.

Shona also serves as Turtle Release Coordinator, actively participating in conservation and release programs while raising awareness about sea turtles and their critical role in the marine environment.

She aims to inspire people of all generations to take action in conserving wildlife and protecting our natural world, demonstrating that everyone—regardless of background or qualifications—can contribute to conservation.

Dr. Navi – Veterinarian

Dr. Navi is a dedicated wildlife veterinarian with almost 13 years of experience.

She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of the West Indies in Trinidad in 2012 and a Master’s in Wild Animal Health from the Royal Veterinary College in London in 2016.

Her work at CTC focuses on sea turtles, nurse sharks, and various fish and bird species, with a key aspect being the release of captive-bred green sea turtles into the wild.

Additionally, she involved in applied research, collaborates with other researchers in the field, and has been included as a co-author of recent publications.

Dr. Navi also educates and assists with training veterinary students interested in exotics and wildlife.

Wendy Dandie – Education Programmes Officer

Wendy Dandie is an Education Programmes Officer with a BSc in Marine Biology & Coastal Ecology and an MSc in Environmental Consultancy, both attained in the UK.

In her current position, she has conducted extensive research on the history of 'turtling' in the Cayman Islands, focusing on the cultural and economic importance of Green Sea Turtles to the islands.

This has led her to dub herself an 'unofficial Cultural Historian', having spent a year in CINA (Cayman Islands National Archive) conducting research.

One of her notable works is her contributions to CTC's ACT Talk (public/corporate outreach initiative) titled "Iron Men in Wooden Ships", developed for CTC’s educational programs.

Wendy is passionate about educating the public on the island’s rich history through engaging talks and programs delivered by the Education Department.

Thank You to Our Women in Science!

On this special day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shona, Dr. Navi, Wendy, and all the women in science at CTC for their unwavering dedication to conservation and education. Your work is inspiring future generations to explore the world of science and make a difference in wildlife preservation.

Let’s continue to support and celebrate the achievements of women in STEM, today and every day!?