Elisabeth Steiner

About

My name is Elisabeth Steiner, and I am from Austria. Ever since I was a child, I spent the summer months in Greece. I spent most of my time in the sea snorkeling for shells, sea stars, and just anything I could find. I was just amazed by all the different fish, shells, shapes, and colors and dreamed about becoming an underwater explorer when I grew older.

By the time I turned 18, I was an Advanced Open Water Diver and got to explore the fauna and flora of the deeper ocean which reminded me again of my childhood passion. I then studied Biology at the University of Vienna with a specialization in Ecology, so I could focus my courses on the marine environment.

Unfortunately, there was not much practical experience I obtained during my studies, so it was clear to me that before I do my master’s degree, I had to gain more field experience in marine biology and research. After many google searches for marine research centers all over the world where I could possibly do an internship, I found the Marine Dynamic Academy. The fact that I really love South Africa’s unique nature and the opportunity to explore the marine megafauna with the aspect of conservation immediately drew me to the program.

I am not sure if I will become a marine scientist, but I know I want to help preserve nature and find solutions to stop the ongoing destruction of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and use my voice for the species that are endangered and not protected.