My name is Hannah Douglas, I am a Marine Science BSc graduate from Wicklow, Ireland. I am passionate about ocean welfare with particular interests in benthic ecology and marine law. During university I worked as a yoga teacher, illustrator and in childcare. I also trained as a scientific diver and scuba instructor, in my final year designing and undertaking a research project focused on Fireworks anemones (Pachycerianthus multiplicatus). This May 2022 I completed the final exams of my degree and am overjoyed to have now graduated with a first class honours.
My 2022 scholarship year began on the 1st June with many long awaited reunions and warm introductions at the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society awards weekend in New York City. There was laughter and light as old friends embraced and new friendships were formed between incoming and outgoing scholars and interns alike.
Upon my arrival in New York, after my first ever crossing of the Atlantic, I was welcomed into the most amazing family of divers. Due to its nature of supporting early career ocean professionals, the OWUSS draws together a group of like-minded individuals with whom I felt instantly connected. It is an amazing thing to meet so many people who are committed to the same cause as yourself.
It was noted by several members that there was an incidental theme of hope for the future running throughout the weekend. Having spent their own scholarship years discovering incredible depths of knowledge both in the underwater realm and above, Jamil (2021 North American Scholar) and Arzu (2021 European Scholar) handed over to the incoming 2022 scholars. The 2019 scholars and interns were also in attendance, having missed their own final symposium event due to Covid.
After a welcome dinner on Thursday, the OWUSS weekend was in full swing on the morning of Friday 3rd June with meetings of the society’s board members and a hand-over of scholar equipment. Bright and early on Saturday morning the outgoing scholars and interns gave presentations on their achievements during their sponsorships. That evening came the premiere of the outgoing scholars’ video creations followed by the award ceremony for the new scholars and interns. It was a joy to get to know Millie and Rosie the Australasian and North American 2022 Scholars; the three of us shared an instant connection and were able to share our excitement and ideas for the year together.
The weekend ran directly into World Oceans Week and the OWUSS group were kindly invited to attend a series of fascinating events at the Explorers Club and World Oceans Day at the UN, NYC. There were seminars from UN professionals on the Law of the Sea and various marine policies and ‘Blue Generation’ career events. Following this there was a day of dedicated talks and discussion panels of leading scientists whose work focuses on one of the three 2022 UN Oceans Ambassador species: Octopuses, Penguins or Mangroves. It was so interesting to listen to some of the world’s experts discuss their fields and study areas and it was inspiring as a budding marine scientist to meet with those that are leading the industry.
It was an absolute honour to meet ‘Her Deepness’, Sylvia Earle who was also attending the events in the Explorers Club and speaking at the UN World Oceans Day. Her grace and down to earth nature were apparent and soon there was classic diving chatter back and forth, discussing recent dives and hopes for the future of the underwater world.
Wednesday 8th June marked UN World Oceans Day and the OWUS scholars attended the conference in the UN New York headquarters. It was a full day of talks from policymakers, leaders and scientists centered around the concept of regenerating the ocean. It was completely inspirational to hear the ideas and work of these dedicated professionals, and again there was a distinctive feeling of hope among those attending the event. Never has the phrase, “a problem shared is a problem halved” felt more true.
I cannot wait to start my year and begin sharing my adventures with you, this summer I will be training in underwater photography, free diving and scientific diving research techniques!
I would like to thank the Our World Underwater Society for their belief in me and for granting me such a life changing opportunity. Also thank you to Rolex for giving the funding to allow this scholarship to continue being a possibility for young people like me.
