Communication and Engagment Liaison
Shelby joined the ZIP team in 2022, making the jump from palaeontology to conservation, shifting her focus from studying extinct animals to protecting the living taonga of Aotearoa.
At ZIP, Shelby leads internal communications and supports audience engagement, translating complex technical mahi into clear, engaging stories across internal and external channels. As a collaborative connector, she bridges gaps between teams, partners, and community stakeholders with a warm, inclusive approach that turns complicated science into meaningful connection.
Shelby completed her undergrad in Marine Geology at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. After graduating, she worked at U.S Geological Survey in the Climate Science and Storm Impact Department. In 2016, she moved from Florida to Te Whanganui-a-Tara to complete her MSc in Geology at Te Herenga Waka.
During her time in Aotearoa, she promptly fell in love with the taonga species here – whether they are taking refuge on an offshore island or in her own backyard. When she’s not connecting people with conservation, she enjoys hanging out with her two indoor cats, reading, singing karaoke, tramping, and binge-watching reality TV.