It’s all about telling a good story.
In the past few years, I have been honored to share stories and insights from my professional journey in a variety of venues and formats.
My speaking engagements often include:
Showing photos and videos from remote corners of the world
Inspiring students to pursue untraditional, meaningful careers
Equipping other science communicators with ideas, tools, and resources
Bridging the gap between extreme exploration and everyday life
From formal presentations to hands-on workshops, I am passionate about sharing stories of bold endeavors, unique professional paths, and fascinating science.
Upcoming Speaking Engagements:
Event: Storytelling, Innovation and Career Pathways | Río Innovates Symposium
Date: Friday, April 24th at 10am
Location: Río Hondo College in Whittier, California
Description: I am delighted to be part of this one-day symposium which aims to unite students, educators, community partners and industry leaders to celebrate creativity, invention and entrepreneurship. My session will focus on how storytelling and research can bring ideas to life using digital media. I will provide students with practical approaches to communicate innovation and stay connected in today’s evolving workforce.
Event: Science Communicators of North Carolina (SCONC) Speaker Series
Date: Thursday, May 28th at 4pm
Location: Sigma Xi Offices, located at 700 Park Offices Drive Research Triangle, NC
Description: I am honored to be the inaugural speaker for SCONC’s new bimonthly speaker series which focuses on sharing career journeys, creative processes, and hard‑won skills. During this talk, I will tell the story of how I transitioned from a communications job at UNC-Chapel Hill to starting my own business and working on research vessels at sea. This talk will also be streamed live on Zoom. Register here.
Previous Events:
Science on Tap speaker at Hatfield Marine Science Center
Main Stage presenter at Science Talk ‘22 and Science Talk ‘24
Workshop host for 2026 Postdoctoral retreat at MBARI
Featured storyteller on the Story Collider Podcast
Workshop host at Science Talk ‘23
Featured speaker for UNC Research Week 2023
Featured speaker for 2022 Fellows at the STEM Advocacy Institute
Speaker for Carolina Women in STEM Seminar Series
Host for ASC Mentorship Panel for Science Talk ‘26
Host of multiple live events aboard E/V Nautilus, including Books and Bathymetry
Podcast Appearances:
Featured guest on the Story Collider podcast
Featured guest on Story Collider’s live show Women who Adventure
Featured guest on Closing the Gap podcast
Featured guest on Blue Collar | White Coat podcast
Featured guest on The Hectic podcast
Featured guest on Our Future is Kind podcast
Testimonials:
“I first saw Marley present at the 2022 Science Talk conference and the experience left me very inspired. I had a ton of questions. I immediately invited her to talk with our Fellows at SAi to share her story and advice.
True to form, the session she hosted with our Fellows was another inspirational hit covering many important topics for early stage founders who are building informal science initiatives. I have no doubt we will have her back to talk to future fellows and residents at SAi.”
“Science communication is often an exciting but daunting field that students don’t always know how to get into. Marley’s talk was enlightening for students in our visual communications program, highlighting the importance of sharing not only science but the stories of the people behind discoveries. It was really inspirational to us – we all keep talking about it!”
“Marley’s talk was one of my favorites at the conference. Obviously, she has a dream job and career, but the choices she has made and the reality of doing some serious self-evaluation really resonated with me. It was validating and affirming to hear from someone successful but super relatable! Thank you for sharing your experience and advice!”
Want Marley to speak to your students or organization?
Please email mlparkermedia@gmail.com with the subject line “speaking”