Our People
Professor Leanne Hepburn
The Ocean Literacy Project was founded by Professor Leanne Hepburn, a marine scientist and educator with over twenty years’ experience working across science, education and sustainability.
Her work spans coral reef research, community resilience and interdisciplinary sustainability education across the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and the UK. As Professor of Education and Environment at the University of Essex, she led the development of the university’s first BSc Global Sustainability and directed research and education initiatives focused on regenerative approaches to growth.
Through the Ocean Literacy Project, she brings this experience into applied programmes that translate Ocean science into practical understanding, decision-making and action across communities, organisations and leadership.
For more about Leanne’s work, publications, and speaking engagements, visit her personal website.
Founder & Director
Dr Emily Duncan
Emily Duncan is a marine conservation scientist with expertise researching human-driven changes on marine ecosystems and species, serving as a lead scientist on numerous expeditions.
Emily is experienced in delivering large multi-partner projects and is passionate about combining high-quality science and conservation with meaningful engagement. Her current work centres on collaborative, capacity building within partner organisations to deliver positive and lasting change for both the environment and communities.
Emily also sits on the expert panel for DEFRA’s Ocean Community Empowerment and Nature (OCEAN) Grants Programme.
Strategic Development
Francesca Reed-Cutting
Partnerships ConnectorFrancesca is an early career Marine Biologist, supporting Ocean and Coastal Futures (OCF) as an Events and Engagement Coordinator. OCF's mission is to improve marine management in the UK by convening, connecting and spreading knowledge across the UK's marine and coastal sector. Ocean Justice is critical to this mission and OCF is working to advance the sector's understanding of how ocean advocacy intersects with social dimensions such as decolonisation, youth leadership and social mobility.
Alongside this, Francesca is a Trustee for Young Sea Changers Scotland (YSCS), a charity which aims to empower young people aged 16-25 with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to speak up for Scotland’s seas and influence the decisions that affect them.
Both these roles, alongside previous experiences working with UK Youth for Nature and the Global Rewilding Alliance, have given Francesca significant hands-on experience working with partners to strategically influence environmental policy at both national and global scales.
Francesca is passionate about advancing ocean literacy across sectors and cultures. She is a fluent in English and Flemish, and proficient in Spanish.
Charlotte Metcalfe
As a Team GB athlete and World Championship Silver Medallist, I bring a strong commitment to excellence and leadership both on and off the platform. My achievements and work have been featured by Forbes and The Times. I am currently a final-year LLB student with the intention of becoming a barrister, combining legal advocacy with a passion for public engagement and social justice.
Qualified in Civil and Commercial Mediation to both UK and international standards, I have experience in negotiation, dispute resolution, and building long term partnerships. My interest in environmental conservation, particularly marine and ocean protection, drives my commitment to facilitating conversations that support the overall message and impact.
As Associate for Strategic Engagement, I am passionate about fostering partnerships, promoting awareness, and helping connect people, organisations, and communities to advance the shared goal of ocean literacy.
Strategic Engagement
Alana Wilson
Alana is a Marine Biology graduate from the University of Essex, a Research and Communications Assistant at The Ocean Literacy Project, and the creator behind @twodaxiesoneocean.
Inspired by life with her two dachshunds and a love of the ocean, the main focus of her content is on the environmental impact of the pet industry—from plastic waste and overconsumption to sustainability claims and greenwashing. She is passionate about helping dog owners make informed choices for their pets while better understanding the environmental footprint that often comes with modern pet ownership.
Drawing on her background in marine biology and science communication, Alana aims to make environmental issues accessible, relatable, and relevant to everyday life.
Research and Comms
Marla Lise
StorytellingWith over two decades of experience in the conservation, education, and sustainability fields, Marla Lise is a global educator, eco-literary advocate, and good faith communicator. With a deep love for nature and the planet, she uses words as catalysts to drive systemic change. Sitting at the intersection of language and science, her work bridges the gap - making complex concepts accessible to many. She is working towards building a world of understanding, communication, reciprocity, and connection through her company The Eco Chapter. She is the editor and co-author of the book, Dreams of Unwritten Futures, which is the first book in what she hopes to grow into a Better Future Narratives project.
Marla's academic background spans Animal Science, Environmental Science, Sustainability, and Education.
Yasmin Hoey
With a background in Marine Biology and a current focus on Environmental Futures, I am passionate about climate change, environmental governance, and community representation. Committed to promoting inclusive representation, environmental education, and sustainable solutions that connect people, policy, and the natural world.
Research & Social Impact