Born and raised in Missouri, over 700 miles from the nearest drop of saltwater, my introduction to the ocean realm was quite different than most ocean-minded individuals. The same fear driven media used to horrify an entire generation was the spark that ignited a fire within that created my passion for the world's most misunderstood species. That's right, JAWS. My fascination with the natural world further developed with thanks to the infamous Steve Irwin, "The Crocodile Hunter", as he influenced my complete fixation on behavioral studies of predatory species. I always admired how where others saw monsters, he saw beauty.

I went on to attend Hawaii Pacific University accomplishing a BSc in Marine Science, and University of Florida accomplishing a Masters in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. My current PhD research focuses primarily on the movement and behavior of large oceanic sharks in French Polynesia.

My complete fascination with sharks continued to thrive throughout my studies and after. I was approached by producers of Discovery Channel's "Shark Week" in 2014 to be featured on an episode highlighting the large predatory shark species of Hawaii. It was during filming that I met photographer and shark conservationist Juan Oliphant. I went on to join the One Ocean Diving/Water Inspired team (founded by Juan Oliphant and Ocean Ramsey) where I learned how to interact in-water with these incredible predators and conduct pelagic field research surveys. Fate had finally brought me into the incredible world of sharks.

From there I spent each August-November season in French Polynesia for the humpback while migration working as an underwater photographer and expedition leader for ecotourism company Moorea Moana Tours. I am now a full time resident of French Polynesia and have founded the Mao Mana Foundation; an organization dedicated to the sharks of French Polynesia. We are currently working on multiple projects side by side with the Tahitian government’s environmental agency to educate the community, promote safe shark interactions, and furthering research efforts. You can catch some of this work on Nat Geo Wild’s Shark Fest special feature, “Worlds Biggest Tiger Shark”and “Tiger Shark vs Great White”.

My dedication to the conservation and research of shark and ray species continues to grow and develop as I travel around the globe expanding my knowledge on the world's most misunderstood creatures.

After spending many years traveling to some of the most famous as well as some of the most remote hotspots for sharks around the world, I began organizing expeditions under a self-founded company, Ladyshark Expeditions.

My goal is to not only further the understanding and positive perception of the world’s most misunderstood predator, but to help preserve the marine environment and inspire the next generation to be captivated by it’s wild.

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