Meet the Ray Ladies

Maya

Founder & Director

  Student: MSci Marine Biology                       Bangor University, Wales
PADI: Advanced Open Water Diver

My passion for the ocean started early. Even as a kid, I was enchanted by the deep sea and its mysterious creatures. As I grew older, that curiosity led me to scuba diving, and I eagerly trained for my open water certification.

The defining moment came during our final dive, surrounded by the majestic stingrays of Los Gigantes, when over 60 rays gracefully gliding around me. It was beyond incredible, and that experience sealed my love for these free-spirited fish.

Hopes for The Ray Project: Now, with The Ray Project, my goal is simple: ethical science that makes a difference. I want to influence marine policies globally to protect our Rays and Skates. Join us on our journey, and let's spread the word about how amazing and important these diverse fish are for our oceans. Together, we can make a difference!

Katelyn

Web Designer

    BSc(Hons) Applied Freshwater & Marine Biology   Atlantic Technological University, Galway
PADI: Open Water Diver

My love for the ocean began with a very young self while on family holidays. Growing up I was lucky enough to witness a lot of marine life while on family trips abroad. One experience includes my first scuba dive at 12 years old. My dad and I went for our first scuba dive in Denmark and it was the most strangest yet amazing feeling. Breathing underwater and witnessing the diverse marine life around me had me intrigued from the first breath. I’ve since completed my open water course and I haven’t stopped making waves since.

Hopes for The Ray Project: I hope to bring awareness about batoids to as many people as we can. We have started our research and I hope this can be used in the long run to protect rays and skates. I also love the power of media in how it can bring people together and promote awareness. I hope I can bring this to TRP and get people involved with ray and skate conservation.

Megan

Outreach Officer

BSc(Hons) Wildlife Biology                        Munster Technological University, Kerry
PADI: Open Water Diver in training

My love for the ocean all started when I was really young. I always loved to swim and go to the beach. Then I started to wonder what was below the surface. So I started to do research on marine life and haven’t stopped since.

Hopes for The Ray Project: To collect as much data as possible about different species of rays and skates around Ireland. I hope to learn more about these wonderful creatures and share this knowledge with the world so everyone can understand why they are so important. I hope to raise awareness about the issue our oceans are facing and how people can help through our various outreach events. I want to educate young minds and the public about our native species and how they can aid in their conservation. From this, I hope one day we can become a well-known organisation for ray and skate research & conservation.

Caroline

Researcher

    MSc Marine vertebrate ecology and conservation, University of Exeter. 

BSc Marine Biology, University of Aberdeen.
PADI: Rescue Diver

Growing up in a coastal fishing village in Co. Dublin I have always been fascinated by the sea. This fascination quickly grew into a vocation leading me to study marine biology. My main research interests lie in spatial and behavioural ecology of elasmobranchs. I have vast experience working in Irish, UK and South African waters. My drive is to contribute to the amazing work currently being done to conserve our waters. 

My hopes for The Ray Project are to establish long running projects to better understand the behaviours and movements of Batoids in Irish waters.  Alongside this I hope we can spread awareness of the incredible species we have in our waters and influence policy to protect skate and rays.

Mairi

Content Creator

BSc Ocean Science & Marine Conservation, University of Plymouth.
BSAC: Sports Diver. Dive Leader in training

My love for the ocean started when I was at school and quickly grew into an obsession. I soon developed a keen interest for elasmobranch species which at 15 led me to start scuba diving and then onto studying ocean science and marine conservation at university. I am particularly interested in ecology and conservation and am determined to help us coexist with our beautiful blue planet.

Hopes for The Ray Project: I hope The Ray Project will provide knowledge and research around our native batoids that will help influence and change marine policy. Additionally, I hope the project continues to inspire people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to learn about and raise awareness for the amazing ray and skate species we share our home with.