OSEA and VSI Present
Sharktoberfest
October 26th - 30th, 2026
Join Ocean Science Expedition Academy (OSEA) and the Vermilion Sea Institute (VSI) October 26–30 for Sharktoberfest, a free online celebration of shark science, conservation, community, and careers!
Shark science is for everyone, and Sharktoberfest is here to prove it! This free, online event brings together researchers, educators, and conservationists for engaging presentations and conversations that make shark science accessible to all. Explore the latest research, meet the people working to protect sharks and their ecosystems, and discover ways to get involved in marine science and conservation.
By bringing together diverse voices and experiences, we’re building connections across the shark science community, inspiring the next generation of ocean advocates, and showing that everyone has a place in shark research, education, and conservation.
And did we mention the raffles and prizes?! There’s plenty to look forward to, from learning something new about sharks to connecting with the people passionate about protecting them. Join us for a week of science, community, and shark appreciation!
Schedule
Monday, Oct 26: Shark Conservation and Research
Abinaya Meenakshisundaram — 4:00 PM PT (7 ET)
Affiliation: The University of Western Australia, Minderoo OceanOmics Centre, and Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)
A Research Fellow studying whale sharks through environmental DNA (eDNA), she uses traces of DNA left behind in the ocean to investigate whale shark movements, population connectivity, and conservation.
Irene Cassanova — 5:00 PM PT (8 ET)
Affiliation: Pelagios Kakunjá A.C.
A marine biologist originally from Spain, she specializes in shark ecology, movement, reproduction, and conservation. As a Data Analyst and Field Researcher at Pelagios Kakunjá, she uses non-lethal techniques, including telemetry, genetics, and ultrasound, to study sharks across Mexico and beyond.
Alberto García Baciero — 6:00 PM PT (9 ET)
Affiliation: Whale Shark México
Alberto is a marine biologist and Executive Director of Whale Shark México, where he oversees shark research, fieldwork, and volunteer programs. With experience in marine conservation across Costa Rica, Malaysia, and Mexico, he is passionate about shark protection and is also an experienced SCUBA diver and divemaster.
Tuesday, Oct 27: Community Science Involvement
Meghan Holst — 10:00 AM PT (1 ET)
Affiliation: Ocean Science Expedition Academy & University of California, Davis
Meghan is the co-founder and president of OSEA, where she leads field expeditions, training, and research connecting shark conservation with hands-on learning. As a researcher at UC Davis studying shark ecology in San Francisco Bay, she is passionate about making marine science accessible and creating opportunities for early-career scientists and community members to get involved in research.
REGISTER HERE
Heidi Malizia — 12:00 PM PT (3 ET)
Affiliation: Vermilion Sea Institute
Heidi is a marine biologist specializing in protected species and Director of Programs at VSI, where she leads community science programs. She supports whale shark photo-identification research and long-term monitoring, with a passion for community science and making marine science accessible to everyone.
REGISTER HERE
Shivani Cowper — 3:30 PM PT (6:30 ET)
Affiliation: The Salty Lab Research Collective
Shivani is a marine biology researcher, science communicator, and founder of The Salty Lab Research Collective. Her work spans shark research, marine wildlife rescue, and community outreach, helping people discover how they can contribute to ocean science and conservation through community science and collaboration.
Wednesday, Oct 28: Safety as Community Members and Scientists
Norah Mendoza — 11:00 AM PT (2 ET)
Affiliation: Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS)
Norah is a marine scientist, educator, and Program Director at MISS, with experience in shark research, coral restoration, scuba diving, and marine fieldwork. She focuses on promoting safer, more supportive field environments through clear communication, trust, teamwork, and strong safety protocols that protect both people and sharks.
Alex McInturf — 2:00 PM PT (5 ET)
Affiliation: California State University, Long Beach
A marine biologist and animal behavior researcher, she will join California State University, Long Beach, in January 2027 as an Assistant Professor of Marine Biology and Director of the CSULB Shark Lab. Her research focuses on human-wildlife interactions and understanding how people can safely coexist with sharks and other marine predators.
Thursday, Oct 29: Science Communication and Storytelling
Jacqueline Rajerison (Sevengill Draw-Along) — 2:00 PM PT (5 ET)
Affiliation: Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) and Ocean Science Expedition Academy (OSEA)
Jacquie is a professional science illustrator with a background in marine ecology who uses watercolor, colored pencil, and digital art to bring ocean science to life. She combines art and research to tell marine science stories and volunteers with OSEA to conduct shark research in San Francisco Bay.
Melissa Cristina Márquez — 3:00 PM PT (6 ET)
Affiliation: Marine & Wildlife Scientist, Author, and Science Communicator
Melissa is a marine and wildlife scientist, author, and science communicator whose work explores the intersection of sharks, storytelling, and conservation. Through her research, books, and public outreach, she makes science accessible and engaging, exploring how the stories we tell about wildlife shape the way people understand and protect the natural world.
Kaushiik Subramaniam (photo/film) — 4:00 PM PT (7 ET)
Affiliation: Wildlife Photographer, Filmmaker, and Science Communicator
Kaush is an award-winning wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and science communicator with an MSc in Wildlife Conservation Biology. Through photography, filmmaking, and storytelling, he collaborates with scientists and conservation organizations to make research accessible, connect people with nature, and inspire meaningful conservation action.
Friday, Oct 30: Careers in Science / Shark Biology
CAREER PANEL — 9:00 AM PT (12 ET)
Catherine Macdonald, Shannon Aldridge, Yudmila Chunguane, Darien Satterfield, Heidi Malizia, and Meghan Holst
Shannon Aldridge (Beneath the Waves) — 10:00 AM PT (1 ET)
Affiliation: Beneath The Waves, Inc.
Shannon is the Director of Programs and Operations at Beneath The Waves, where she supports marine research, field operations, and organizational partnerships. With a background in marine biology, experience in animal husbandry, and a career as a PADI Dive Instructor, she brings a range of perspectives on career paths in shark science, from research and diving to conservation operations.
Jessica Tammen (OdySea Aquarium) — 11:00 AM PT (2 ET)
Affiliation: OdySea Aquarium
Jessica is the Dive Operations and Conservation Manager at OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, with over 15 years of professional animal care experience. She works with sharks in an aquarium setting and supports conservation efforts to protect these animals in the wild, sharing insights into aquarium careers and shark conservation.
David Shiffman (pre-recorded) — 2:00 PM PT (5 ET)
Affiliation: Why Sharks Matter
David studies shark ecology and conservation, with a particular focus on hammerheads and their vulnerability to fishing-related stress. Having worked with more than 3,000 sharks across five continents, he combines research and community outreach to advance shark conservation and engage people of all ages in marine science.
