Bhakti Patel

I work with the team to deliver our amazing environmental education programmes such as the BLAKE Inspire suite of programmes, BLAKE Expeditions, and BLAKE Ambassadors. I joined BLAKE in October 2016.

I obtained my BSc and MSc degrees from the University of Auckland, Leigh Marine Lab specialising in Marine science. My research focused on snapper physiology. Prior to joining BLAKE, I was a Marine Biology Technician and Ecology Team Leader at the University of Auckland where I was a technician, educator, diver, and skipper – providing technical support in the lab and in the field.

My passion comes from fulfilling a lifelong dream of becoming a marine biologist. I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm through education and photography.

I went on expedition to Raoul Island, in the Kermadec Islands, in September 2017 to carry out cetacean research for Dr Rochelle Constantine’s research at the University of Auckland. I experienced ship life on the Royal New Zealand’s Navy warship HMNZS Wellington, and collected data on migrating humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.

I returned to the Kermadec Islands in 2018 for BLAKE Expeditions aboard HMNZS Canterbury to conduct marine research with scientists and student voyagers. Follow the voyage HERE.

In 2019, myself and two BLAKE Ambassadors went on a month long voyage to the Sub-Antarctic Region to conduct fisheries research on board RV Tangaroa with NIWA. Follow the voyage HERE.