Marine Scientist, Artist, Diver, Curator, Speaker
Fuelled by a deep love for the ocean
Combining science communication and creative arts to make ocean science and the natural world easier to understand and connect with.
Hi, I’m Cay-Leigh.
My mission is to make science easier to understand, share it in ways that spark curiosity, and bring people closer to the natural world.
I work at the intersection of science and art to reveal the wonders and address the plight of the ocean. Drawing on vast experience in the disciplines of marine science, scuba diving, underwater photography and visual arts, I combine science and storytelling to help people understand and connect with complex ideas.
Currently I coordinate conservation projects within the NSW Government’s flagship Saving our Species threatened species program as well as freelance consult to scientific institutions, museums, and non-profits as an as an artist, scientist and advocate.
When I’m not developing projects, presenting or travelling, you’ll usually find me painting, drawing or photographing life beneath the surface.
Combining the forces of science and art, Cay-Leigh has paved a unique career recognised by National Geographic Wear ANZ as a youth ocean changemaker, and as one of Piping Hot’s ‘Heroes for the Ocean’.
Artist & Underwater Photographer
Specialising in watercolour, my artworks are an evolving series depicting my underwater experiences, interpreting my underwater photography or manifesting future encounters with paint and paper.
Available for art commissions.
Curator
My exhibitions have been collaborative team efforts that forefront multi-disciplinary artists, designers, technological innovations, museum collection items and Indigenous knowledge to share stories of the ocean and those serving to protect, conserve and restore it. See my exhibitions here.
Science Communicator & Writer
I translate scientific research into clear, considered stories for exhibitions, articles, digital platforms, social media, scripts and presentations.
My writing explores ocean science alongside the broader forces that shape it, including conservation, sustainability, accessibility, human rights and the circular economy. My publications can be seen here.
Speaker
You can see me in person at events such as the Ocean Lovers Festival or online in webinars and educational content. I’m passionate about supporting the next generation of scientists and speak as an industry expert to encourage careers in STEM to over 1500 students so far.
