Rebecca Daniel

It is with great pride that we celebrate Rebecca Daniel as the University of Essex’s Alumna of the Year. In 2018, I had the pleasure of supervising her master’s research project on the effect of microplastics on zooplankton – microscopically small, drifting animals at the base of the marine food web – for which she received a top distinction. True to the Essex Spirit, it was already clear then that Rebecca will succeed, she will realise her ambitions despite possible obstacles.
Although Rebecca’s journey might begin at Essex, her work has reached classrooms and communities across the globe, from the Maldives to Timor-Leste. Her passion for marine conservation has inspired thousands. 

Through her organisation, The Marine Diaries, she is committed to connecting people with the ocean and inspiring them to act for its protection.

The Marine Diaries was formed by three students – all studying on our Tropical Marine Biology degree – after they recognised a critical gap between the scientific community and the general public in their awareness of the ocean’s importance, and issues that face it.
 
And Rebecca’s work has made waves — quite literally — across the globe. Since graduating, she has harnessed her commitment to marine science and her gift for communication to take The Marine Diaries from a student-led initiative into a global non-profit organisation - committed to translating marine science, and increasing access to the ocean. 
 
Together with a team of dedicated volunteers, many also Essex Alumni, Rebecca has built a thriving community of over 50,000 ocean advocates - and launched impactful projects like Plastic Not Fantastic, the Marine Ecosystem Diaries, and an e-learning course, as well as storytelling events, ocean experiences and expeditions, and internship programs.

The short films released under the Marine Ecosystem Diaries project have been screened at international film festivals and reached over 128,000 viewers on YouTube alone. 

This work has been recognised internationally, with Rebecca being named as a Regional Finalist in the prestigious Commonwealth Youth Awards.

Rebecca uses her voice to advocate for the ocean, and inspire others. She has spoken at global forums — from the United Nations Ocean Conference, to London Climate Action Week, and the International Aquarium Congress. And you can always catch her talking all things ocean and conservation on various podcasts. 

More recently, Rebecca was selected as the first Sheba Hope Grows Advocate – an opportunity to combine her marine biology knowledge with her storytelling experience, to document and take part in coral restoration in the Maldives. 

Rebecca’s influence doesn’t end there. In her professional career, she has led marketing and communication efforts that amplify climate and nature movements on behalf of leading NGOs and sustainable businesses.

Rebecca is also an active member of several ocean and youth networks, and just this year, she was appointed as an Ambassador of The Explorers Club — an honour reserved for those truly advancing exploration and environmental understanding. 

Rebecca, your story is a powerful reminder to today’s graduates: that with passion, dedication, and a willingness to lead, each of them has the power to shape a better world. 

You are not only a shining example of the Essex spirit—you are proof that one voice can spark a movement and make meaningful change in the world.
 
Rebecca, we are incredibly proud to name you as our Alumna of the Year and look forward to seeing you make more positive change happen in the years ahead.

Read Rebecca's response.