Meet the Team

Meet Nico, the Research Director at the Shark Research Unit, where his expertise extends to overseeing special research projects. His role involves managing these projects, providing guidance to postgraduate students, and organizing pertinent data sets. Beyond academia, Nico collaborates with the local municipality on environmental assessments, contributing his expertise to ensure informed decision-making on environmental concerns. Actively involved in volunteer work within the local and regional stranding network, Nico demonstrates his commitment to marine conservation and community outreach. As a rescue diver and a volunteer with the National Sea Rescue Institute at station 15, he contributes directly to marine safety efforts and emergency response initiatives, showcasing a holistic dedication to marine research, conservation, and community service. Nico wears multiple hats as a director of the iOcean Investment Trust Foundation, aligning with the mission to empower underprivileged and disadvantaged youth. Through this foundation, he focuses on imparting essential life skills, particularly emphasizing swimming as a powerful conservation tool. Nico believes that swimming provides a unique avenue for individuals to connect with the marine environment, fostering a deep-seated love, appreciation, and commitment to ocean conservation. Adding to his impressive portfolio, Nico serves as the spokesperson for J4J. In this role, his primary goal is to bridge the gap between scientific discourse and the broader community. He aims to make scientific communication more accessible to both local communities and the public, inspiring positive change by fostering a seamless exchange of information among scientists, policymakers, and citizens. Through breaking down communication barriers, Nico hopes to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to engage with and contribute to the ongoing dialogue shaping our collective understanding of science and its impact on society.