Exploring our oceans, Restoring our seas, Protecting our future
Exploring our oceans, Restoring our seas, Protecting our future
A passionate Marine Biology student, rescue scuba diver, and ocean advocate. My mission is to protect and restore coast ecosystems through research, education, and community engagement–because the health of our oceans is the health of us all.
A passionate Marine Biology student, rescue scuba diver, and ocean advocate. My mission is to protect and restore coast ecosystems through research, education, and community engagement–because the health of our oceans is the health of us all.
Exploring our oceans, Restoring our seas, Protecting our future
A passionate Marine Biology student, rescue scuba diver, and ocean advocate. My mission is to protect and restore coast ecosystems through research, education, and community engagement–because the health of our oceans is the health of us all.
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MY PURPOSE
MY PURPOSE
Combining a deep love for the ocean with a passion for science and advocacy, I aim to protect and restore marine ecosystems by raising public awareness, conducting research, and promoting sustainable conservation practices. Through marine biology, education, and community engagement, I want to make ocean science accessible and inspire action to protect the coastlines that sustain us all.
Combining a deep love for the ocean with a passion for science and advocacy, I aim to protect and restore marine ecosystems by raising public awareness, conducting research, and promoting sustainable conservation practices. Through marine biology, education, and community engagement, I want to make ocean science accessible and inspire action to protect the coastlines that sustain us all.
Combining a deep love for the ocean with a passion for science and advocacy, I aim to protect and restore marine ecosystems by raising public awareness, conducting research, and promoting sustainable conservation practices. Through marine biology, education, and community engagement, I want to make ocean science accessible and inspire action to protect the coastlines that sustain us all.
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PROFESSIONAL WORK AND EXPERIENCE
PROFESSIONAL WORK AND EXPERIENCE
Turning Purpose into Action
Turning Purpose into Action
Passion Project
Marine Debris Art Installation - Despite its widespread impact, marine debris often feels like a distant or invisible issue to inland communities, leading to a lack of awareness and engagement. At East Los Angeles College, where access to the ocean is limited by geography and socio-economic barriers, students rarely encounter the reality of ocean pollution firsthand. By transforming collected marine debris into a public art installation on campus, this project aims to bridge the gap, making the invisible visible and inspiring a deeper connection between students who live inland and the health of our oceans
Marine Debris Art Installation - Despite its widespread impact, marine debris often feels like a distant or invisible issue to inland communities, leading to a lack of awareness and engagement. At East Los Angeles College, where access to the ocean is limited by geography and socio-economic barriers, students rarely encounter the reality of ocean pollution firsthand. By transforming collected marine debris into a public art installation on campus, this project aims to bridge the gap, making the invisible visible and inspiring a deeper connection between students who live inland and the health of our oceans
Detailed description - The installation will feature real debris collected from a series of beach cleanups organised by the East Los Ocean Conservancy Club. In addition to repurposing harmful waste, the display will feature data about debris collected by ELOCC in order to highlight patterns in pollution types, sources, impacts, and solutions.
Detailed description - The installation will feature real debris collected from a series of beach cleanups organised by the East Los Ocean Conservancy Club. In addition to repurposing harmful waste, the display will feature data about debris collected by ELOCC in order to highlight patterns in pollution types, sources, impacts, and solutions.
Outcome and Impact - The outcomes of this project would be increased awareness about marine debris in a community that may not regularly encounter it; an encouragement of more sustainable habits; and a demonstration of the intersection of art, environmental activism, creative expression, emotion, and science to inspire action
Outcome and Impact - The outcomes of this project would be increased awareness about marine debris in a community that may not regularly encounter it; an encouragement of more sustainable habits; and a demonstration of the intersection of art, environmental activism, creative expression, emotion, and science to inspire action
Research Assistant - Present
I’m a volunteer research assistant at Occidental College’s Moore Laboratory of Zoology. I help the marine biology department with sediment sorting for Chevron to evaluate if their outflow & practices are killing wildlife and plankton sorting.
I’m a volunteer research assistant at Occidental College’s Moore Laboratory of Zoology. I help the marine biology department with sediment sorting for Chevron to evaluate if their outflow & practices are killing wildlife and plankton sorting.
Internship
Beginning August 3rd, I will be spending one month in Quepos, Costa Rica, partaking in a coral reef restoration internship.
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EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITES
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITES
Leadership & Involvement
Leadership & Involvement
Scuba Diving
Rescue diver certified, spend about 5-10 hours a week doing local island, shore, or boat dives as well as ocean clean up dives with my dive team
Scuba Diving
Swim team captain for spring 2025, won award for MVP as highest scorer for the team. Time commitment is about 13 hrs per week across practice and swim meets.
Scuba Diving
Swim team captain for spring 2025, won award for MVP as highest scorer for the team. Time commitment is about 13 hrs per week across practice and swim meets.
Scuba Diving
Swim team captain for spring 2025, won award for MVP as highest scorer for the team. Time commitment is about 13 hrs per week across practice and swim meets.
ELAC Women’s Water Polo
Anticipating being elected captain for fall 2025. I have played water polo since I was 12, even being picked up by my boarding school to play. Time commitment is about 15 hours per week across practices and matches/tournaments.
ELAC Women’s Water Polo
Anticipating being elected captain for fall 2025. I have played water polo since I was 12, even being picked up by my boarding school to play. Time commitment is about 15 hours per week across practices and matches/tournaments.
ELAC Women’s Water Polo
Anticipating being elected captain for fall 2025. I have played water polo since I was 12, even being picked up by my boarding school to play. Time commitment is about 15 hours per week across practices and matches/tournaments.
ELOCC
I will be the founder of East Los Ocean Conservation Club. The club is focused on raising awareness of marine issues in the ELAC community and exposing students to the coast through various beach cleanups and partnering with organizations to aid in citizen science efforts. We will also host education meetings about issues that plague California's coastal ecosystems and how to engage in more sustainable practices. As a way to foster a love for the ocean, I will be using part of the club grant to award one club member a SCUBA certification scholarship to help them get started or advance in their scuba diving journey, as it is not something that people in the community have access to or financial means to engage with.
ELOCC
I’m founding the East Los Ocean Conservation Club to raise awareness of marine issues, host beach cleanups, and partner on citizen science projects. We’ll hold educational meetings on coastal ecosystems and sustainable practices, and award a SCUBA certification scholarship to inspire deeper ocean connection.
ELOCC
I’m founding the East Los Ocean Conservation Club to raise awareness of marine issues, host beach cleanups, and partner on citizen science projects. We’ll hold educational meetings on coastal ecosystems and sustainable practices, and award a SCUBA certification scholarship to inspire deeper ocean connection.
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PROFESSIONAL WORK AND EXPERIENCE
PROFESSIONAL WORK AND EXPERIENCE
Workshops & Certifications
Workshops & Certifications
Advanced Open Water SCUBA
Advanced Open Water SCUBA
Open Water SCUBA
Open Water SCUBA
Rescue Diver Certification
Rescue Diver Certification
Lifeguard Certification
Lifeguard Certification
Going to get my AAUS scientific diver certification in the winter
Going to get my AAUS scientific diver certification in the winter
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Awards
Awards
Achievements & Recognition
Achievements & Recognition
Swim Team MVP
Swim Team MVP
I earned Most Valuable Player for being the highest scoring swimmer on ELAC’s team
I earned Most Valuable Player for being the highest scoring swimmer on ELAC’s team
SCC Swim Championships
SCC Swim Championships
For South Coast Conference swim championships, my 800 Freestyle Relay team earned 3rd place, and I earned 6th place in the 400 IM. Season ending meet between the 8 schools in the SCC, amongst ~100 female swimmers
For South Coast Conference swim championships, my 800 Freestyle Relay team earned 3rd place, and I earned 6th place in the 400 IM. Season ending meet between the 8 schools in the SCC, amongst ~100 female swimmers
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About Me
Personal Bio
My academic journey has been shaped by independence, perseverance, and a desire to serve. At age 15, I left home to attend boarding school where I balanced rigorous academics with a full athletic schedule, competing in water polo and swimming. Living independently at such a young age taught me self-discipline , resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility. Following high school, I was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, where I majored in Data Science. My time at USNA sharpened my leadership and technical skills, especially in areas like programming and statistics. However, after sustaining four concussions, I was medically and honorably discharged in favor of my long-term health and well-being.
Whether I’m organizing a beach cleanup, restoring coral reefs, or creating art from marine debris, I am to combine science, storytelling, and service to inspire environmental action.
I believe that advocacy is most powerful when it’s personal. For me, protecting the ocean isn’t just a career goal; it’s a calling rooted in identity, culture, and lived experience.
Education.
My academic journey has been shaped by independence, perseverance, and a desire to serve. At age 15, I left home to attend boarding school where I balanced rigorous academics with a full athletic schedule, competing in water polo and swimming. Living independently at such a young age taught me self-discipline , resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Following high school, I was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, where I majored in Data Science. My time at USNA sharpened my leadership and technical skills, especially in areas like programming and statistics. However, after sustaining four concussions, I was medically and honorably discharged in favor of my long-term health and well-being.
In August 2024, I returned home to Los Angeles and continued my studies at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). At ELAC, I’ve realigned my academic focus to marine biology and environmental science, while continuing to apply my background in data, coding, and research.
Through coursework, athletic leadership, and ocean advocacy projects, I’m working to combine science and service in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and impactful.
Growing up with a mother who immigrated from El Salvdor, I grew up speaking Spanish. This early exposure to multiple cultures sparked a passion for language learning. In addition to Spanish, I study Russian and Chinese, driven by a desire to connect with and understand diverse communities.
My academic journey has taken me through a range of experience, from boarding school and time in the U.S. Navy to research labs and international conservation projects. What ties it all together is a deep sense of responsibility to protect coastal ecosystems that I call home. As someone from an inland college community, I am especially committed to making marine science more accessible and engaging for students who may not have had direct exposure to the ocean.
Whether I’m organizing a beach cleanup, restoring coral reefs, or
creating art from marine debris, I am to combine science,
storytelling, and service to inspire environmental action.
I believe that advocacy is most powerful when it’s personal.
For me, protecting the ocean isn’t just a career goal; it’s a calling rooted in identity, culture, and lived experience.
Whether I’m organizing a beach cleanup, restoring coral reefs, or creating art from marine debris, I am to combine science, storytelling, and service to inspire environmental action.
I believe that advocacy is most powerful when it’s personal. For me, protecting the ocean isn’t just a career goal; it’s a calling rooted in identity, culture, and lived experience.
Education
Education
My academic journey has been shaped by independence, perseverance, and a desire to serve. At age 15, I left home to attend boarding school where I balanced rigorous academics with a full athletic schedule, competing in water polo and swimming. Living independently at such a young age taught me self-discipline , resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Following high school, I was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, where I majored in Data Science. My time at USNA sharpened my leadership and technical skills, especially in areas like programming and statistics. However, after sustaining four concussions, I was medically and honorably discharged in favor of my long-term health and well-being.
My academic journey has been shaped by independence, perseverance, and a desire to serve. At age 15, I left home to attend boarding school where I balanced rigorous academics with a full athletic schedule, competing in water polo and swimming. Living independently at such a young age taught me self-discipline , resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility.Following high school, I was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, where I majored in Data Science. My time at USNA sharpened my leadership and technical skills, especially in areas like programming and statistics. However, after sustaining four concussions, I was medically and honorably discharged in favor of my long-term health and well-being.
My academic journey has been shaped by independence, perseverance, and a desire to serve. At age 15, I left home to attend boarding school where I balanced rigorous academics with a full athletic schedule, competing in water polo and swimming. Living independently at such a young age taught me self-discipline , resilience, and a strong sense of responsibility.
Following high school, I was appointed to the United States Naval Academy, where I majored in Data Science. My time at USNA sharpened my leadership and technical skills, especially in areas like programming and statistics. However, after sustaining four concussions, I was medically and honorably discharged in favor of my long-term health and well-being.
In August 2024, I returned home to Los Angeles and continued my studies at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). At ELAC, I’ve realigned my academic focus to marine biology and environmental science, while continuing to apply my background in data, coding, and research.
Through coursework, athletic leadership, and ocean advocacy projects, I’m working to combine science and service in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and impactful.
In August 2024, I returned home to Los Angeles and continued my studies at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). At ELAC, I’ve realigned my academic focus to marine biology and environmental science, while continuing to apply my background in data, coding, and research.
Through coursework, athletic leadership, and ocean advocacy projects, I’m working to combine science and service in ways that are accessible, inclusive, and impactful.
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Skills
Skills
Technical & Professional Skills
Technical & Professional Skills
Graphic Design
Adobe
Photoshop
Adobe
Photoshop
Adobe
Illustrator
Adobe
Illustrator
Adobe
In Design
Adobe
In Design
Graphic Design
Adobe
Photoshop
Adobe
Illustrator
Adobe
In Design
Coding
Python for Data Science & ML
C++
Database creation & management
Coding
Python for Data Science & Machine Learning
C++
Database creation & management
Coding
Python for Data Science & Machine Learning
C++
Database creation & management
Communication
Communication
Communication and leadership skills from time in the U.S. Navy
Communication and leadership skills from time in the U.S. Navy
Communication and leadership skills from time in the U.S. Navy
Adaptability
Adaptability
Problem-solving, Excel & Data Entry
Problem-solving, Excel & Data Entry
Problem-solving, Excel & Data Entry
Graphic Design
I like to create commissioned works for small brands and businesses and participate in various logo competitions. Not a skill I've used as of late but I’ve linked a portfolio below of some of my past projects.
Graphic Design
I like to create commissioned works for small brands and businesses and participate in various logo competitions. Not a skill I've used as of late but I’ve linked a portfolio below of some of my past projects.
Triathlons
I just completed my first triathlon (400 m swim, 10k bike, 5k run), I plan to do more. I have always been into athletics and competitions and wanted to challenge myself by combining all three disciplines.
Triathlons
I just completed my first triathlon (400 m swim, 10k bike, 5k run), I plan to do more. I have always been into athletics and competitions and wanted to challenge myself by combining all three disciplines.
Screen Acting
I’ve starred in various indie film projects and even had a background role in Fallout season 2. I also have an actor’s resume and am signed with a talent agency, HRI, for commercial and theatrical representation.
Screen Acting
I’ve starred in various indie film projects and even had a background role in Fallout season 2. I also have an actor’s resume and am signed with a talent agency, HRI, for commercial and theatrical representation.
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UNIQUE INTERESTS
Life Beyond the Ocean
Graphic Design
I like to create commissioned works for small brands and businesses and participate in various logo competitions. Not a skill I've used as of late but I’ve linked a portfolio below of some of my past projects.
Triathlons
I just completed my first triathlon (400 m swim, 10k bike, 5k run), I plan to do more. I have always been into athletics and competitions and wanted to challenge myself by combining all three disciplines.
Screen Acting Triathlons
I’ve starred in various indie film projects and even had a background role in Fallout season 2. I also have an actor’s resume and am signed with a talent agency, HRI, for commercial and theatrical representation.
( 00-08 )
UNIQUE INTERESTS
Life Beyond the Ocean
Graphic Design
I like to create commissioned works for small brands and businesses and participate in various logo competitions. Not a skill I've used as of late but I’ve linked a portfolio below of some of my past projects.
Triathlons
I just completed my first triathlon (400 m swim, 10k bike, 5k run), I plan to do more. I have always been into athletics and competitions and wanted to challenge myself by combining all three disciplines.
Screen Acting Triathlons
I’ve starred in various indie film projects and even had a background role in Fallout season 2. I also have an actor’s resume and am signed with a talent agency, HRI, for commercial and theatrical representation.
( 00-08 )
UNIQUE INTERESTS
Life Beyond the Ocean
Graphic Design
I like to create commissioned works for small brands and businesses and participate in various logo competitions. Not a skill I've used as of late but I’ve linked a portfolio below of some of my past projects.
Triathlons
I just completed my first triathlon (400 m swim, 10k bike, 5k run), I plan to do more. I have always been into athletics and competitions and wanted to challenge myself by combining all three disciplines.
Screen Acting Triathlons
I’ve starred in various indie film projects and even had a background role in Fallout season 2. I also have an actor’s resume and am signed with a talent agency, HRI, for commercial and theatrical representation.
Protecting coastlines through science, storytelling & community action
Let’s make an impact
Emma Dear
Contact me
I am a marine biology student, SCUBA diver, and ocean advocate born and raised in the South Bay, CA – where the ocean was never far and always felt like home. From a young age, I’ve been drawn to the water, spending countless hours swimming, surfing, and later competing in water polo and swimming. My lifelong connection to the ocean shaped not only my hobbies, but my values and career goals.
Protecting coastlines through science, storytelling & community action
Let’s make an impact
Emma Dear
Contact me
I am a marine biology student, SCUBA diver, and ocean advocate born and raised in the South Bay, CA – where the ocean was never far and always felt like home. From a young age, I’ve been drawn to the water, spending countless hours swimming, surfing, and later competing in water polo and swimming. My lifelong connection to the ocean shaped not only my hobbies, but my values and career goals.