Nikitha Sivaram is a third year environmental sciences student at the University of British Columbia. Growing up in close proximity to the stunning coasts of beautiful British Columbia helped foster her initial interest in marine ecosystems. Volunteering in the galleries of the Vancouver Aquarium and with OceanWise over the years, has served to further deepen her passion for marine conservation. Her love for ecology, biodiversity, and conservation has led to her involvement in several passion and research projects, including examining the water-purifying properties of aquatic plants, and the relationship between mangrove deforestation and avian biodiversity. Outside of academia, she finds joy in spending time with her friends and immersing herself in the beauty of the natural world.