Science Outreach
From corporate to charity events, classrooms to international conference stages, on land and at sea, Moronke possesses a wide range of public speaking experience.
Over 70 talks delivered to audiences of 10,000+
View Outreach below. Click here for Broadcast and On-Screen Presence.
Hosted 24 separate ‘Ship-to-Shore Interactions’ aboard 3 vessels reaching >200 classrooms and professional groups across the globe.
E/V Nautilus - 17 interactions, >40 classrooms reached with on-board Science Communication Fellows
CCGS John P. Tully - 5 interactions, >75 classrooms reached
R/V Falkor (too) - 2 interactions, ∞ audience reached through online availability
The Girls and STEAM Summit, presented by STEMCELL Technologies, is Science World’s largest annual event, now in its 7th year! This event brings together 300 participants for a day of hands-on learning, exploring and discovery.
This year’s sold-out Summit, themed “Future Forward!”, will focus on inspiring the next generation of STEAM professionals.
TEDxVictoria: It’s Up to Us
TEDx returned to Victoria, BC for the first time since 2015. Moronke was 1 of 12 speakers selected from over 300 applicants for the sold-out 2024 show (audience of 750).
Her talk is now available on YouTube.
Jackson Wild Panel
As a Summit Fellow (1 of 4 invited Marine Filmmakers & Storytellers) for the 2023 Jackson Wild Summit, Moronke Harris was also a panellist for Out In The Wild: A Conversation With Storytellers.
The nature equivalent of the Oscars®, the Jackson Wild Media Awards celebrate excellence and innovation in science and nature storytelling. The Summit is an extraordinary annual convening where cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation thrive and new ideas launch.
Trailblazing The Deep
Science World brought together two of their feature exhibitions—Trailblazing: Women in Canada since 1867, presented by Acuitas Therapeutics, and James Cameron - CHALLENGING THE DEEP, supporting partner, Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Limited—for an immersive dive into the deep-sea adventures of three remarkable women who are “Trailblazing the Deep”!
With >140 individuals in the audience, this was one of Science World’s largest speaking events.
Keynote Panel Moderation
At the CZC Conference Closing Plenary, Moronke Harris moderated an engaging keynote session centring early career professionals in marine management and ocean sciences, featuring winners of the conference travel grant. The panel represented a diverse group of voices from across Canada (Great Lakes, Arctic, Pacific, and Atlantic regions).
CZC conferences play a critical role in linking the latest science and marine management with key policy and decision-makers, leading to direct action improving the stewardship of Canada’s coasts.
Photo credited to Oriana Smy.
The Story Collider
As part of the #NatureForAll Storytelling Festival, the Story Collider put on an evening of true, personal stories about science that focus on the love of nature and how that love inspires us.
The show was the largest event since 2020 and a side event at the 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress.
(#IMPAC5)
Photo credited to Rob Shaer and Story Collider.
Speaker’s Bureau Program
For 43 years, experts and knowledgeable individuals from UVic made themselves available to communicate their chosen research topics to community groups, schools, clubs and other organizations. Following >15,000 speaker events and >150 volunteers each season, in June 2023, the UVic Speakers Bureau Program was sunsetted.
Moronke’s 2021-2023 Talks:
Hydrothermal Vents: Life in the Absence of Sunlight
An Intervention Strategy for Coral Survival in a Warming Ocean
The Voice of Young Professionals
As part of the 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (#IMPAC5), a global forum that brings together ocean professionals and high-level officials to inform, inspire and act on marine protected areas, the IUCN Pavillion hosted a multi-perspective panel discussing youth engagement in 30x30 and deep-sea environments:
The Voice of Young Professionals: Advancing 30x30 and Protecting Boundaries Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Elevating the young voices as stakeholders in the state of the environment is critical for fostering intergenerational connections with decision-makers.
Hydrothermal Vent Specialist onboard the 2023 NE Pacific Deep-sea Expedition whose Science Team, under the direction of Chief Scientist Dr. Cherisse du Preez and in partnership with ROV ROPOS, collaborated directly with BBC directors to gather beautiful shots of the deep for Blue Planet III.
The expedition set a record for deepest ROV submersible dive in Canadian waters (>3200 m).
Photo credited to the BBC.
Mapping Otherworldly Ecosystems | Ultra Fine-Scale Seafloor Mapping - Week 3
November 2023
There are no other systems on Earth like hydrothermal vents. Vents are isolated, under extreme pressure, and have radical temperate ranges: beyond-boiling heat to bone-chilling cold. The Mapping Galapagos Vents expedition seeks to map and explore hydrothermal vent fields of the Eastern Galapágos Spreading Center, testing technologies new to Ocean exploration. A better understanding of the region will inform the management and protection of these awe-inspiring and otherworldly ecosystems.
Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants: Exploring the Deep Sea Live from Research Vessel Falkor (too)
November 2023 (Live Event)
Continue the adventure with the Schmidt Ocean Institute as we get to hang out with their world-class educators on board the RV Falkor (Too). We know more about mars and the moon than the deep sea, but the SOI team is changing that by mapping and understanding our oceans in better detail than ever before! Hosted by Moronke Harris.
Ocean of Data Challenge: Exploring Ocean and Climate Text Data
February 2023
The Ocean of Data Challenge kicked off with a panel of experts in storytelling, science communication, and Natural Language Processing.
Now in its 5th year, The Ocean of Data Challenge is a week-long event where participants use one or more types of ocean data to create a diagram, a technology solution, an analysis of data, or something else, as long as it is a solution to the Challenge. Organized by technology companies DeepSense, Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE), and Shiftkey Labs.
‘Dear Grad Student’ Podcast: Blending Passions: Why Art is VITAL to the Study of Science
February 2023
As the Father of Quantum Theory, Max Planck once said, the pioneer scientist must have “a vivid intuitive imagination, for new ideas are not generated by deduction, but by artistically creative imagination”.
In episode 81 of the podcast, Moronke and Elana discuss the intersection of art and science, keeping your creativity alive as you progress through your career, the promotion of STEAM education, Moronke’s brand ‘The Imaginative Scientist’, and career streams that incorporate both art and science.
Some Key Interview Takeaways:
"Both scientists and artists strive to see the world in new ways and communicate their own visions. When they are successful, the rest of us suddenly see the world differently. Our truth is fundamentally changed."
“Some of the greatest minds in science were inherently creative!”
“Combining your passions, and maintaining your hobbies throughout grad school can serve as a source of inspiration, creativity, and balance. All of which are essential to success and overall well-being."
"Bridging to the public is necessary…science needs to lead to actionable change. Art can contribute."
‘Oceanbites Out Loud’ Podcast: An Interview with Moronke Harris
November 2022
Oceanbites is an independent graduate student organization hosted and supported by the American Astronomical Society since July 2017. They make cutting-edge research accessible to all by explaining exciting recent literature in all oceanographic fields in a way non-experts can understand. Oceanbites also highlights classic research papers, shares features about what it’s like to be a grad student in oceanography, and offers commentary about current issues and experiences in research.
Some Key Interview Takeaways:
"Science can be solitary, but it doesn't have to be."
"If they can do it, why can't I?"
On Impostor Syndrome: "With time comes the wisdom that you will never know everything. Life, and especially life in science, is meant to be about that endless pursuit of knowledge and curiosity."
Don’t discount the resources that surround you.
Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program: Art of Science and Science of Art
July 2022
The University of Washington Doris Duke Conservation Scholar Program on Yellow Island integrates multiple academic disciplines and ways of knowing, from a variety of conservation practitioners, to support scholars in finding a conservation practice and career path that is right for them.
Moronke spoke to scholars in the program as a Scientific Illustration Mentor, covering her journey as a scientist, the inherent connection between science and art, and how her style of art is used to convey scientific concepts.
TELUS Spark ‘A Week in Their Lab Coats’: Journey to the Deep Sea
July, August 2022
‘A Week in Their Lab Coats‘ is a summer camp that calls all kids who identify as girls to get inspired! Each day, campers are introduced to a different female or gender-diverse scientist. As the saying goes, “You can’t be what you can’t see”.
Moronke brought the deep sea to campers on July 14th, 28th, and August 11th, covering hydrothermal vent formation, deep-sea exploration, the deep sea’s invaluable societal contributions, and the importance of blending passions (STEAM importance and how Moronke has combined her passions for science and art in her brand, ‘The Imaginative Scientist’).
Earth Day Panel: Finding Your Climate Action Intersection
April 2022 (Live Event)
Sea Smart is a Vancouver-based charity that aims to connect people of all ages with ways they can make positive, lasting changes for our planet’s oceans.
This Earth Day, Sea Smart hosted a webinar for a general public audience. The theme was ‘your most powerful action towards sustainability and climate action lies at the intersection of your interests, skills, and network’. The audience heard from invited speakers about their journies towards sustainability and climate action and how their reach or network has allowed them to use their career/actions to inspire climate action in others. A brief recap is available here.
‘Science Sucks!’ Podcast
Upcoming - Recorded April 2022
Podcast by Ive Velikova, a Master's Candidate in Science Communication at Laurentian University. Each week, we talk about the ins and outs of scientific research and how it impacts our lives.
‘Salt and Scales’ Podcast: Diving Deep into Hydrothermal Vents with Moronke Harris
March 2022
Salt and Scales is a podcast dedicated towards improving ocean literacy. This podcast is hosted by Ambassadors from Ocean Wise's Ocean Bridge Ambassador Program (Matthew, Mariko, and Jacqueline Chung). In each episode we interview incredible guests that are involved in ocean conservation and advocacy to raise awareness and hopefully inspire action towards these issues.
We had a great time speaking with Moronke about hydrothermal vents, a deep-sea ecosystem filled with mysterious marine life in some of the toughest places on Earth. We also discussed her thesis, which focuses on informing current discussions about implications that may result from deep-sea mining of sulphides at hydrothermal sites through the development of a ‘microbial landscape modelling’ methodology.
Deep Sea and Oceanographic Changes
February 2022 (Live Event)
Tune in to: I. explore the depths of climate change in remote ocean ecosystems with Ocean Networks Canada (Dr. S. Kim Juniper); II. learn about audio and visual technologies scientists use to visualize the deep and mineral and microbial resources of the deep sea with Moronke Harris.
The transition away from fossil fuels towards electrification means we’ll need a lot of minerals like copper, zinc and nickel -minerals that have formed over millions of years at the bottom of the ocean. But should we be mining massive swaths of the ocean floor that we still know so little about? This webinar has shown how there could be unique and life-saving microbial life down there, not to mention the deep sea stores a ton of our planetary heat and carbon to stabilize our climate!
Next on Nautilus: Expedition to #ONCAbyss
August 2021 (Live Event)
Preview the August E/V Nautilus expedition with Ocean Networks Canada in a live conversation with the scientists, engineers, and students aboard the ship in their first days at sea. For a month, the team will investigate the abyssal plain, hydrothermal vents, and conduct dual-ship operations deploying and installing Earth-observing instruments for an ocean observatory across the Juan de Fuca tectonic plate. Bring your questions and join the conversation about new ocean technology and the engineering challenges of working on a geologically active seafloor!
Opening Doors to Deep-Sea Research with Moronke Harris
September 2020 (Live Event)
Moronke Harris grew up in a landlocked province, but her curiosity has carried her to the seafloor studying the fascinating communities of microbes and animals who survive and thrive in the extreme environments of hydrothermal vents. Join in this conversation with Moronke as she begins her first year of graduate school to learn about her unique path from science-enthusiast to scientist and her vent field research on the seafloor in British Columbia. Tune in LIVE on our Facebook page or YouTube channel. Viewers on all platforms will be able to type in questions for the presenters live.
View organization outreach interviews below. Click here for international news media.
Ocean Wise Annual Report 2024: Story of Impact
Upcoming
Highlighting Moronke Harris’ journey with Ocean Wise (her inspiring progression from the Ocean Bridge program to becoming an Advisory Committee member, and now sitting on the Board of Directors) as a testament to their youth programs and the impact of youth in the ocean space.
Ocean Exploration Trust: Why Mapping Matters
Upcoming
A series of interviews that connect to a variety of careers and focus on the importance of seafloor mapping.
Jackson Wild: Collective Spotlight - Moronke Harris
March 2023
"An oceanographer, an artist, and a science communicator, Moronke Harris contains multitudes — and that's her superpower."
Jackson Wild is a global forum for nature and wildlife filmmakers, documentarians and scientists.
ONC News & Stories: Exploring deep ocean hydrothermals
February 2023
More than 1,000 metres below the ocean’s surface where seawater meets magma, underwater volcanoes erupt producing hot springs known as hydrothermal vents. Here exists a world that survives and thrives in the absence of sunlight. University of Victoria (UVic) oceanography PhD student Moronke Harris studies microbial communities around these hydrothermal vents and their eroding mineral deposits.
Full story feature with Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) as part of a new feature series that spotlights the people of ONC.
UVic News: Inspiring student stories illuminate path for others
February 2023
A group of female scientists teamed up with the University of Victoria (UVic) to focus on student stories. The news story features undergraduate and graduate students across science, social sciences, and engineering.
NautilusLive Team: Moronke Harris
August 2021
A background interview with Moronke Harris, graduate student at the University of Victoria (BC, Canada), performed prior to the 2021 Ocean Networks Canada Expedition (NA129).
BIOS Currents: A Fruitful Partnership
June 2020
During the summer of 2018, Moronke Harris, then an undergraduate student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, completed a research internship at BIOS with support from the Canadian Associates of BIOS (CABIOS). Over the course of three months she worked with BIOS reef ecologist Yvonne Sawall on a project investigating the effectiveness of a geo-engineering process called artificial upwelling in preventing coral bleaching due to rising water temperatures.
SPACE: Journey to the Moon and Beyond - TELUS Spark Science Centre (Calgary, AB)
October 2024
Take a giant leap into the unknown with Moronke Harris at TELUS Spark Science Center's (@telus_spark) incredible exhibit, 'SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond'. This is a place where science and art meet through creative, interactive, exploration.
Whether you’re fascinated by the ocean’s depths or the wonders of space, 'SPACE: A Journey to the Moon and Beyond' at TELUS Spark brings pure exploration to life.
Plan your visit: sparkscience.ca
Welcome Aboard - Ocean Exploration Trust (At-Sea)
June 2024
Welcome aboard Expedition NA161! Moronke Harris, Science Manager aboard E/V Nautilus and Founder of science communication and creative consultation brand ‘The Imaginative Scientist’, provides a tour of life at (and below) sea.
James Cameron - CHALLENGING THE DEEP - Science World (Vancouver, BC)
October 2023
Journey to the depths alongside deep-sea explorer and science communicator Moronke Harris (The Imaginative Scientist, @imaginativesci). Our newest exhibition, James Cameron - CHALLENGING THE DEEP (supported by @cocacola_ca) closes January 1, 2024! From the Titanic to the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, experience the underwater world through Cameron’s eyes.
Plan your visit: scienceworld.ca
Feature & Instagram Takeover: Deep-sea Exploration Science Manager
August 2024, August 2023
Have you ever wondered what goes on onboard a ship once the submersible returns from the depths? Join your host Moronke Harris in exploring the behind-the-scenes responsibilities of a Science Manager aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus.
A feature video transporting viewers onto the deck of a research vessel
An Instagram takeover showing various areas of the ship
Dive In: Oceanographer Moronke Harris’ Gift Guide to Our Science Store - Science World (Vancouver, BC)
February 2023
Moronke Harris, aka The Imaginative Scientist, has always been curious about the ocean. As a child, she spent hours investigating any pools, rivers, lakes and oceans she could get into, and watching documentaries that told her just how “vast,” “beautiful” and “strange” the ocean was.
Tap into your curious side with her favourite items from our Science Store for maximum exploration!
Video Series: Black Oceanographers of Past and Present
February 2023
Several influential Black Figures have pioneered, and continue to lead, the forefront of ocean science and exploration. Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) and @imaginativesci teamed up this Black History Month to honor eight Black marine scientists over time who have changed what we know about the marine realm. 3-part series.
Instagram Takeover: Visualizing the Deep Sea
June 2022
On June 8th, World Oceans Day, Moronke used the University of Victoria Instagram story to take viewers on a journey to some of the deepest regions of our oceans (as they pertain to her graduate research). The takeover covered over why the deep sea is of interest to our society, hydrothermal vent ecosystems, and how scientists access and visualize the deep sea (research vessels, robots, photogrammetry).
International Women’s Day: What advice would you give women at UVic?
March 2022
On March 8th, the University of Victoria (UVic) celebrated #IWD2022 by highlighting select female students alongside a quote answering "What advice would you give women at UVic?"
Advisory Board - Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Canada
Present
1 of 14 ocean professionals selected.
ECOP Canada’s Advisory Board is part of the governance structure that supports its strategic functions and helps to prioritize the use of resources as part of the global ECOP Collective. The Advisory Board is responsible for providing advice to ECOP Canada during the UN Ocean Decade (2021 - 2030).
Ocean Bridge Advisory Committee - Ocean Wise
September 2022 - September 2023
1 of 12 environmental professionals selected to provide advice contributing to the continuous improvement of youth engagement for ocean conservation.
Ocean Bridge is an innovative youth-led response to the challenge of ocean conservation in Canada. By co-creating service projects in urban and wilderness settings, diverse young adults (18-30 years old) participating in the program contribute to ocean conservation. Ocean Bridge forms national, diverse cohorts of young professionals, who make a difference by directly improving ocean health and by engaging and empowering their peers from coast to coast to coast in ocean literacy and ocean conservation projects.
Early Career Toolkit & UN Ocean Decade Outcomes - ECOP Canada
July 2022
1. As an Early Career Ocean Innovator, contributed to the Ocean Innovator project ECOP Canada put together for Ocean Week Canada. The Early Career Toolkit created as a result has been a big success.
2. Contributed to a short video explaining the 7 UN Ocean Decade outcomes are for a presentation ECOP Canada gave at the ICES PICES Early Career Scientist Conference July 18-22 in St. John's, Newfoundland. Moronke is working to achieve Outcome #3 - A productive ocean supporting sustainable food supply and a sustainable ocean economy.
Ocean & Climate Literacy Strategic Planning - Ocean Wise
March - April 2021
1 of 9 Ocean Bridge Alumni selected to identify and craft the strategic pathways that will guide the next 5 years of Ocean Wise’s work in Ocean & Climate Literacy.
Influenced the future of Ocean & Climate Literacy and gained hands-on experience in the communications strategic planning process from defining clear goals, to determining strategies for success and designing projects to meet identified objectives addressing 3 critical challenges facing oceans (climate change, ocean pollution, overfishing) through 7 key initiatives (changing arctic ocean, turtles and reefs, seaforestation, plastic-free oceans, whales, salmon, and seafood conservation and markets).
2020 Ocean Bridge Ambassador, Pacific Cohort - Ocean Wise
January 2020 - January 2021
One of 160 youth from across Canada selected to participate in the 12-month Classic program
Organized beach clean-ups within British Columbia
Created and delivered online ocean science seminars reaching audiences in 5 provinces and 1 territory across Canada (80+ people reached)
