Junior SeaKeepers 24-25 Webinar 3: Melissa White - Sailing Science in the South Pacific

Overview

On Thursday, November 21st, 2024, The International SeaKeepers Society hosted the third Junior SeaKeepers Program webinar for 2024-25 cohort students. For this virtual industry talk, we were thrilled to have Melissa White, a marine scientist, former yachtie, and current Director of Programs for the South Pacific Chapter of The International SeaKeepers Society based in New Zealand.

Melissa is a Texas native but has called the world her home for the last 10 years. Following a passion for the ocean, she studied at the University of the Virgin Islands where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology. Upon graduating she found her way into the yachting industry which allowed her to dive and do underwater photography in some of the most remote locations around the world. Through yachting she was connected to SeaKeepers, getting to pursue science while working in the yachting industry. Due to her passion for conservation, she is now a part of the SeaKeepers team as the Director of the South Pacific.

Melissa shared with students how yachting offers an incredible opportunity for those seeking a career that combines adventure, global connections, and meaningful impact. If you've ever dreamed of a job that allows you to explore the world, meet people from diverse cultures, and contribute to a greater cause, the yachting industry might be your perfect fit. With a wide range of roles available, there’s a position to suit almost every skill set, and it’s a field where you can also develop and apply talents that prove instrumental on board. Yachting provides opportunities to give back to the community and the environment. From organizing beach cleanups and delivering essential supplies to remote villages, to creating more sustainable practices on board and participating in scientific research expeditions. Working on a yacht enables you to leave a positive impact on both the people you encounter and the oceans you traverse.

We concluded the webinar with a Q+A with students, where many questions were directed at opportunities to work in the yachting industry and how it can connect you to cultures and ecosystems all over the world. By attending webinars led by SeaKeepers' industry partners and researchers, our Junior SeaKeepers have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the diversity of work that exists in the marine conservation realm. Additionally, students get direct access to accomplished professionals and are able to see the advancements in the field that are the result of research and exploration happening every day all over the world. Through speaking with Melissa about her personal history and work in science and yachting, we hope that our JSKs were able to get a better idea of the types of career opportunities that exist in the marine world and outside of hard research science.