Cyrielle Noël is has a background in spatial planning, with expertise in marine and coastal environments. Being born and raised on the river island of Tiohtiá:ke (Montréal), Cyrielle is described as a thalassophile who believes that spatial challenges can be addressed by bridging the gap between natural and social science spheres. Cyrielle moonlights as a social entrepreneur and utilizes this vocation to explore solutions to global wicked problems. During her time as an Ocean Bridge ambassador, she founded Eau-Dacité: which initiates projects, programs, and events related to ocean literacy and waterway conservation. Cyrielle has recently formalized her commitment to promoting ocean and waterway literacy and health, by working as a program specialist for the Ocean Bridge Atlantic program. In her free time, Cyrielle enjoys connecting to nature by recreating outdoors. She enjoys snowboarding, caving, and fishing.

Contact: Cyrielle.Noel@ocean.org

Matt Miller is a PhD student in the University of Victoria’s School of Earth and Ocean Science. Matt’s interest in the ways humans are impacting the ocean have led him to research microplastics, and currently for his PhD dissertation, ocean acidification. Matt grew up on Vancouver Island and received a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Aquaculture from Vancouver Island University. As Executive Director of the Surfrider Foundation University of Victoria Club, Matt engages with students and members of the public on issues such as marine plastic pollution, and organizes monthly beach cleanups in his community. He also sits on the steering committee for Ocean Wise’s Ocean Bridge program, helping passionate youth across Canada get more involved in ocean stewardship. Matt has a passion for science communication and literacy, and regularly delivers science presentations to community groups through the UVic Speaker’s Bureau on his topics of research.

Contact: MattMiller@uvic.ca

Mia Otokiak was born and raised in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. She has a full-time job as a Junior Technical Advisor with the Nunavut Impact Review Board (NIRB). NIRB’s mandate is to protect and promote the well-being of the environment and Nunavummiut (people of Nunavut) through their Impact Assessment Process. She is also a youth mentor in a program called Ikaarvik: Barriers to Bridges; a program that wants to show Indigenous youth that they can be involved in science and research in a meaningful way. She was a part of the 2019 Ocean Bridge Cohort and loves hunting, camping, and protecting the environment!

Contact: miaotokiak@hotmail.com