Savoring the Hawaiian sunset aboard E/V Nautilus | Photo by Nova West

Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been doing this work? 

A life-long storyteller, I honed my writing and photography skills as a student at the UNC School of Journalism, where I also learned audio and video production. I graduated with a B.A. in Journalism and a minor in Spanish.  

I spent the first five years of my career producing stories for UNC Research. In 2015, I joined my first international research expedition, documenting a team of geophysicists working on a volcano in southern Chile.

Since becoming a full-time independent contractor in 2018, I have joined over two dozen ocean science expeditions on various research vessels in the Pacific, the North Atlantic, the Caribbean, and the Antarctic Peninsula.

When I’m not working at sea or in the field, I enjoy visiting classrooms to speak with students about expedition work, science communication, and untraditional career paths.

Laughing at a meddlesome marine technician while working in Antarctica.

Laughing at a meddlesome marine technician in Antarctica | Photo by David Johnston

What is the most extreme thing you’ve ever done?  

Skydiving, swimming with sharks, jumping into icy Antarctic water — I find those sorts of experiences exhilarating. But the “most extreme” thing I’ve ever done was leave the safety and security of a good job (with a lovely boss and great co-workers) to navigate the volatile world of full-time freelance work. It is also the most rewarding and fulfilling decision I have ever made!

Where are you located?

Central North Carolina is home base, but I spend much of my time in other places. My “busy season” for travel typically falls between May and October, and often includes 75 to 100 days of living and working at sea.

With a current passport, a clean bill of health (including current flu shot and COVID vaccinations) and a few well-worn pairs of boots and backpacks, I am available to work on projects anywhere in the world.

Do you collaborate with other photographers and videographers? 

Absolutely! While I often work independently (expedition teams can typically only bring along one outreach person) I always welcome the opportunity to work with other creative people.

If you are a photographer, videographer, or science writer looking to collaborate on a project, I would love to hear from you. 

I am a professional photographer, video producer, science writer, and ocean explorer 

I utilize vibrant visuals and narrative storytelling to illustrate the value of scientific research and discovery — typically in the middle of the ocean.

Over the past seven years, I have worked with a wide variety of research teams on projects sponsored by the National Science Foundation, NASA, NOAA Ocean Exploration, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the Ocean Exploration Trust, and many others.

My work has been featured in major media outlets including CNN and ABC News, as well as the Deep Ocean Education Project and a Ted Talk at the National Academy of Sciences.

Troubleshooting a panoramic rig while free diving in Hawaii | Photo by Nova West

What equipment do you use? 

  • Canon bodies and lenses

  • GoPro cameras and accessories

  • DJI drones

  • Nauticam underwater housing

What certifications and licenses do you have?

  • PADI Open Water scuba diver (with current DAN insurance)

  • PFI Freediver (Level One)

  • Wilderness First Responder (including current CPR)

  • FAA UAS Remote Pilot Part 107

  • Current U.S. Passport (valid through 2025)

What are your favorite science topics to cover?

While I love documenting all kinds of research, I am particularly fascinated by the inner workings of our planet, especially geophysics, volcanology, and chemosynthesis in the deep ocean.

What is your favorite outdoor activity?

Mountaineering and scuba diving. In both my personal and professional life, I regularly alternate between the ocean and the mountains.  

Taking a break from climbing to savor tea time at Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier.

Taking a break from climbing to savor tea time at Camp Muir on Mt. Rainier | Photo by Jon Haas

Wait, I have more questions! 

Awesome! Head over to my Contact page or shoot me an email at mlparkermedia@gmail.com