Kayla Andra
Applied Ocean Scientist
Summary
I am an enthusiastic marine scientist and educator with diverse experiences that enrich my approach to conservation. My journey includes volunteering with marginalized communities, completing a statistically rigorous master’s thesis on social-ecological systems and climate change vulnerability in South Africa, and contributing to impactful field research in Southeast Asia. I have published books and academic papers and developed online educational courses for young learners. Recently, I expanded my skill set by collaborating with NGOs, gaining valuable experience in fundraising, report writing, and communications. I thrive in dynamic environments and love teaching and connecting with people. Committed to ocean conservation, I aim to inspire others to engage in sustainable practices while leveraging my diverse background to tackle complex challenges in marine science.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
3
3
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Blue Parks Science Intern
Marine Conservation Institute
11.2024 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive research on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) worldwide, evaluating their effectiveness and writing detailed assessment reports
- Collaborated with team members to evaluate MPA monitoring approaches and science-based conservation standards
- Communicated and built relationships with MPA management teams to gather accurate data and develop comprehensive research reports
Taxonomist and Ecology Expert
Pivotal Future
10.2024 - Current
- Identified plants and mammals at a species level from high resolution DSLR and camera trap image surveys.
- Implemented quality control measures to minimize errors in identification processes, increasing overall accuracy rates.
Research and Fundraising Specialist
Wildlife Restoration Foundation
09.2024 - Current
- Developed and maintained accurate donor databases to track donations and engage with donors.
- Conducted research to identify and target potential donors for fundraising campaigns.
- Conducted rigorous literature reviews to identify scientific models and methodologies relevant to bison conservation and the 2025 North American Bison Summit.
Curriculum Development Specialist - Environmental
IXIA Solutions LLP
01.2024 - 11.2024
- Fulfilled the role as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Natural Resources and Forestry Management courses
- Developed instructional materials, lesson plans, and assessments for students pursuing careers in environmental science, forestry, water resources, energy, and related fields
- Crafted precise learning objectives that align with intended course outcomes.
Dive Master and Marine Biologist
Legend Diving Lembongan
04.2023 - 10.2023
- Led PADI reactivate courses and group SCUBA dives while managing diverse skill levels and personalities within the group effectively.
- Contributed to the dive center's coral restoration program and citizen science initiatives (Manta Ray I.D., Turtle I.D., and Coral Watch).
- Raised awareness about the importance of ocean conservation initiatives through engaging presentations and hands-on activities during dive excursions.
Marine Science Content Specialist
Roger Horrocks Cinematography
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Company Overview: See https://www.rogerhorrocks.com for my work
- Developed educational copy to accompany underwater underwater cinematography clips and stock footage to raise public awareness about threats facing marine environments and the importance of conservation efforts.
- Transformed academically complex information into easily digestible pieces tailored for specific audience segments using plain language principles.
Cell Biology Demonstrator
University of Cape Town
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Taught cell biology theory and fundamental lab skills, assisted students with scientific writing, and graded lab reports.
- Developed customized study plans for each student, taking into consideration their learning styles, strengths, and areas for improvement.
- Maintained safe and orderly learning environments by enforcing proper lab safety protocols and procedures.
Marine Science Education Exhibit Assistant
Two Oceans Aquarium
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Managed touchpool and microscope exhibits
- Assisted aquarist's with animal husbandry tasks and exhibit maintenance
- Provided exceptional customer service while answering visitor inquiries regarding marine life and aquarium operations.
- Maintained current knowledge of specimens under care as well as husbandry requirements.
Water Quality Field Assistant
CLS Consultancy
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Assisted with water quality tests to analyze the impact of sewage plumes on the southern African coastline
- Worked long days outside despite adverse weather, completing projects with caution and attention to meticulous data collection.
- Data collection techniques included CTD profiling, water visibility tests, and Niskin bottle sampling
Volunteer Coordinator & Communications Intern
White Shark Diving Company
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Gave safety briefings, greeted and educated clients, and participated in boat maintenance
- Contributed to Bronze Whaler, White Shark, plastic pollution, and local marine ecology research by organizing data in Excel spreadsheets and drafting detailed reports
- Collected, organized, and analyzed BRUV data for a temporal biodiversity assessment
- Trained new volunteers on local ecology and culture, data collection procedures, and conservation management
- Managed multiple social media platforms and community outreach events
English Teaching & Special Needs Care Volunteer
Global Visions International
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Organized English lessons, activities, and exams for local primary schools
- Volunteered at a local orphanage and special needs home
Asian Elephant Conservation Volunteer
Global Visions International
05.2018 - 06.2018
- Performed health examinations for rescued Asian Elephants
Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer
IVHQ
07.2017 - 08.2017
- Strengthened community engagement in environmental stewardship by organizing public outreach events such as workshops, presentations, or clean-up days.
- Safeguarded sensitive nests and natural areas from human impact through monitoring and conducting hatchling surveys.
Community Service Volunteer
Global Leadership Adventures
03.2016 - 03.2016
- Participated in building maintenance, construction, and entrepreneurial and financial development projects that contributed to community aspirations
Education
Master of Science - Applied Ocean Science And Marine Biology
University of Cape Town
Cape Town, South Africa 05.2021 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Natural Sciences
Utah Tech University
St. George, UT 05.2017 - 01.2020
Skills
- Data Entry and Analysis
- Scientific Writing
- R-Studio & Python
- Primer & Permanova
- Scientific presentation
- Laboratory techniques
- Environmental monitoring
- Publication
- Research design
- Copywriting
- Lesson planning
- Education
Publications
- Plön, S., Andra, K., Auditore, L. et al. Marine mammals as indicators of Anthropocene Ocean Health. npj biodivers 3, 24 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44185-024-00055-5
- Marine Biology for Kids: Discovering the Amazing World Under the Sea, 11/01/23, 8-14 years old, Available on Amazon
- Understanding Climate Change: a Climate Change Tetralogy for Middle School Learners, 2025, Twenty First Century Books, Will be available at the Library of Congress
Timeline
Blue Parks Science Intern
Marine Conservation Institute
11.2024 - Current
Taxonomist and Ecology Expert
Pivotal Future
10.2024 - Current
Research and Fundraising Specialist
Wildlife Restoration Foundation
09.2024 - Current
Curriculum Development Specialist - Environmental
IXIA Solutions LLP
01.2024 - 11.2024
Dive Master and Marine Biologist
Legend Diving Lembongan
04.2023 - 10.2023
Marine Science Content Specialist
Roger Horrocks Cinematography
01.2022 - 01.2023
Cell Biology Demonstrator
University of Cape Town
01.2022 - 12.2022
Master of Science - Applied Ocean Science And Marine Biology
University of Cape Town
05.2021 - 01.2022
Marine Science Education Exhibit Assistant
Two Oceans Aquarium
01.2021 - 01.2022
Volunteer Coordinator & Communications Intern
White Shark Diving Company
05.2019 - 08.2019
Water Quality Field Assistant
CLS Consultancy
01.2019 - 12.2019
Asian Elephant Conservation Volunteer
Global Visions International
05.2018 - 06.2018
English Teaching & Special Needs Care Volunteer
Global Visions International
01.2018 - 12.2018
Sea Turtle Conservation Volunteer
IVHQ
07.2017 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Science - Natural Sciences
Utah Tech University
05.2017 - 01.2020
Community Service Volunteer
Global Leadership Adventures
03.2016 - 03.2016
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