Interns blend science and storytelling for conservation
- Jan 20
- 4 min read
How do you turn your last semester of a marine biology degree into a launchpad for a career in conservation? For two James Cook University Master’s students, Madhu Kabade and Ka Ho (Marco) Cheung, it meant diving into the Healthy Waters Partnership as interns.
“The Healthy Waters Partnership thrives on collaboration,” says Environmental Data Analyst and intern supervisor Adam Shand. “Our Partners span research, government, industry and community, giving interns access to experts across diverse aquatic ecosystems.”
“That access opened doors to everything from mangrove surveys to eDNA monitoring, and lab tours to community events,” he said.
The internship also equipped Madhu and Marco to lead their own interactive StoryMap, a blend of maps, multimedia and storytelling. All while making waves towards something they’re both passionate about, a future in marine conservation.
A Perfect Fit: science, mapping, and communication
From diving into coral reef surveys off Orpheus Island to interpreting oceanographic data aboard the RV Sonne, Madhu Kabade’s background is rich with in-field experiences. Whilst her involvement in public outreach with WWF-India and Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra played a pivotal role in igniting her passion for science communication.
That passion found new expression in Australia, where an internship with the Healthy Waters Partnership brought her skills and aspirations together.
“The internship aligned perfectly with my interests in data analysis, spatial mapping, and science communication,” she says. “Designing an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap focused on mangroves, allowed me to transform complex scientific data into engaging visual narratives, making environmental science accessible to a broader audience.”
The digital storytelling tool not only educates the community about the ecological importance of mangroves but also supports the Partnership’s mission to foster public understanding and stewardship of ecosystems that are critical to the health of our rivers, creeks and coasts.
“Connecting science with community is a key component for effective conservation,” said Madhu.
Beyond the technical aspects of the internship, Madhu has actively participated in community engagement events such as Healthy Waters Arvo, MangroveWatch’s Local Action Plan, and the Tangaroa Blue Foundation’s Great Barrier Reef Clean-up. These experiences have strengthened her communication and outreach skills, and enriched her understanding of how science is shared through grassroots initiatives.
As Madhu wraps up her master’s degree, she’s looking to a future in marine and coastal conservation. With a growing command of R and ArcGIS, she’s laying the foundation for a career that blends scientific research, data analysis, and community engagement, making marine science more accessible and impactful.
Madhu is well on her way to making a difference. Where data drives action, maps tell stories and science speaks to everyone.
Beyond the Books: where science meets innovation in the field
Picture this: a coral reef digitally captured and brought to life as a 3D-printed model using cutting-edge tech. For intern Ka Ho (Marco) Cheung, it’s more than a picture, it’s a glimpse into the future of marine conservation.
As a past snorkel eco-guide with WWF Hong Kong, natural sciences graduate, and a tech tinkerer with a passion for marine solutions, Marco was drawn to an internship that went beyond the classroom and focused on hands-on, industry-based experience.
“I wanted to move past theory and see how science and innovation interact in practice, on real-world projects,” said Marco.
The centrepiece of Macro’s internship is an interactive StoryMap that brings together emerging technologies, such as eDNA, robotics, and digital mapping techniques (photogrammetry), into one compelling narrative. Using R and ArcGIS, spatial data tools, Marco will showcase how these cutting-edge technologies could reshape waterway monitoring methods.
“Outside of science, I’ve always been into tech and design,” Marco explains. “So, things like 3D modelling and robotics now feel like a natural extension of my marine studies.”
One of his most striking outputs is a 3D-printed coral diorama, a scaled model of a real coral structure captured during a trip to the Whitsundays. Created using photogrammetry, the model reflects Marco’s vision for combining creativity with conservation.
“I wanted to test a workflow that links photogrammetry with 3D printing,” he says. “It’s about bridging digital reef mapping with physical restoration design. It was challenging, but incredibly exciting to see it come to life.”
Marco envisions a future where creativity and science integrate seamlessly, whether as an environmental consultant, data analyst, or in a niche role that blends marine conservation with digital innovation.
Digital scrolly-telling experiences
An ArcGIS StoryMap is a web-based application provided by Geographic Information System (GIS) software company Esri. It allows scientists and communicators to combine maps, multimedia content, and text to deliver engaging and educational digital stories.
Whilst we’re putting the finishing touches on Marco and Madhu’s StoryMaps, check out the ones we’ve already shared:
Guardians of the Bay: Seagrass – small plants play a big role
Hydrology of Cleveland Bay: Townsville’s water is on a dramatic journey
Corals of the Townsville region: diverse and abundant corals lie beneath the surface of Halifax and Cleveland Bays.
