A Career in Science Communication for Manta Rays with Jasmine Corbett

Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation

A career in science communication wasn't exactly what our guest, Jasmine Corbett, expected when she grew up, but now she is the Media and Communications Manager at the Manta Trust living out her dream to help share their work with the world.

In this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, co-hosts Andrew Lewin and Dave Ebert interview Jasmine Corbett, the Media and Communications Manager for the Manta Trust. Jasmine shares her unique journey into the field of science communication, highlighting her passion for underwater photography and marine biology.

Jasmine grew up in a creative family, initially envisioning a career in traditional photography. However, after discovering scuba diving during a gap year in Thailand, she shifted her focus to marine and natural history photography. She pursued a degree in Marine and Natural History Photography at Falmouth University, where she learned to combine her artistic skills with a passion for marine conservation.

Her career began with various roles in marine conservation, including working as a dive instructor and managing marine conservation projects in the Maldives. During her time in Baa Atoll, she had a transformative experience witnessing manta rays, which deepened her commitment to their conservation.

Jasmine's connection with the Manta Trust began while working as a marine biologist for Reefscapers, where she collaborated with the Manta Trust on research projects. Her photography and videography skills caught the attention of the Manta Trust's founder, leading to her current role in media and communications. In this position, she is responsible for creating compelling visual content that raises awareness about manta ray conservation and engages the public.

Throughout the episode, Jasmine emphasizes the importance of visual media in science communication, noting that it can transcend language and academic barriers. She discusses the challenges of conveying complex scientific information in an accessible way, particularly when addressing serious issues like the threats faced by manta rays. Jasmine's approach involves crafting narratives that include a beginning, middle, and end, focusing on the context, challenges, and solutions to inspire action and hope among audiences.

Overall, Jasmine's career exemplifies the integration of creative passions with scientific communication, showcasing how visual storytelling can effectively promote conservation efforts and engage diverse audiences.

Manta Trust: https://www.mantatrust.org/

Jasmine Corbett's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasminecorbettphoto/

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