Paving My Own Path: Why I Left Academia for Science Communication and Full-Time Creation

There’s a saying that resonates with me: “Just because it’s always been done this way doesn’t mean it always has to be this way.”

My career journey has embodied this sentiment in every way, especially in navigating the academic world—a space I deeply loved yet ultimately chose to leave. 

Academia shaped me, it fuelled my passion for science, and yet, it also felt like a maze of bureaucracy that held back the pace and impact I wanted to make.

Finding My Place in Academia: Where It All Began

Seaside with Emily, my seafood education platform, began humbly in 2015 as a travel and food blog called “Airplanes & Avocados.” I started it as a 19-year-old in my university dorm room, fresh off my first solo trip abroad, which left me craving more experiences that could challenge and expand my worldview. 

I fell in love with learning about the world, but I quickly realized that books and lectures couldn’t satisfy my desire for immersive, hands-on learning. Academia provided a solid foundation, but I wanted more.

When I niched down from environmental governance to focus on sustainable food systems, I knew I wanted my work to have a real-world impact. Specifically on what, how, and why the world eats. 

By the time I reached grad school, I was deep in the complex world of seafood supply chains and seafood culture, and exploring how seafood can play a role in sustainable global food systems. My research made it clear— not only does seafood have a vital role in feeding the world, but seafood also has a significant role to play in supporting economies, maintaining culture and tradition, and shaping coastal communities around the globe.

But getting that message out? That was the challenge. Academic publishing moves at a snail’s pace, and traditional outreach methods meant my findings could take years to reach the people who actually needed them. I knew there had to be a better way.

The Drawbacks of Academia: Navigating the Red Tape

Academia can be incredibly fulfilling for those who thrive within its structure, but for someone with an insatiable curiosity and a drive to share knowledge quickly and creatively, it can feel restrictive. 

For each breakthrough I made, there seemed to be countless forms to fill out, approvals to wait for, and layers of red tape. Traditional academic publishing, while rigorous and essential, takes years to get new research into the hands of the public, by which point its relevance and impact could diminish.

As I grew more frustrated with the slow pace of academia, I recognized that I needed a more agile way to share knowledge and bridge the gap between scientific findings and public understanding.

Turning to Social Media: Redefining Science Communication

In that frustration, I found an alternative path. I realized I could reach more people by stepping outside of academia’s traditional boundaries and into the rapidly growing world of social media. With platforms like TikTok and Instagram, I could share insights, demystify seafood sustainability, and make science accessible in real time. As I blended my background in fisheries science with my skills as a content creator, I found a unique voice that resonated with a diverse audience.

Social media allowed me to bypass the gatekeepers, eliminate the wait, and provide consumers with the knowledge they needed to make informed decisions at the seafood counter. 

And creating Seaside with Emily allowed me to build a community of informed, empowered consumers who could advocate for sustainable seafood on their own terms.

Building a Life Beyond the Lines

Since launching Seaside with Emily, I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world, connect with incredible people, and tell powerful seafood stories acros 30+ countries. What started as a blog written by a curious student in a dorm room has evolved into a science-based platform that has garnered international recognition, brought me to the TEDx stage, had me featured in top global outlets and, most importantly, allowed me to make an impact that I felt I could never make within the confines of academia.

For those navigating rigid spaces, whether in academia, corporate life, or beyond, my message is simple: it’s okay to draw outside the lines. Breaking out of established systems doesn’t mean abandoning them; it’s about finding new ways to serve the same mission and reach people where they are. You can combine creativity with knowledge and, in doing so, create a career—and a life—that’s true to you.

Thank you for following along on this journey, and here’s to embracing change, challenging the status quo, and paving your own path.