Lauren
& Tattie.
About Lauren
Lauren is a qualified marine biologist and coastal ecologist, who specialises in elasmobranch research. She has extensive experience in the field and an endless enthusiasm for all things underwater!
Elasmobranchs, primarily Shark and Skate species are the focus of Saltwater Life’s founder; Dr Lauren Smith, who is committed to undertaking and communicating the latest scientific research on these incredible animals.
Understanding them, their physiology, behaviour, and habitats, informs government policies resulting in effective legislation vital to the conservation and management of these species.
About Tattie
When out on a research expedition you really need to keep your eyes peeled to spot the hidden treasures that wash up in the shallows. So it really helps to have a super sniffer dog by your side! When Lauren noticed her spaniel Tattie’s uncanny ability to locate elasmobranch eggcases on the shoreline she trained her up to search them out (with the help of a ball) and is currently writing a paper about the exciting potential of this new area of canine detection.
When having a break from her research assistant duties, Tattie loves nothing better than a hike in the Scottish mountains, followed by a chill-out on the sofa.
Lauren chats to Youth Link Scotland about her career in marine biology
Lauren's Biography
- 2024 BSAC Snorkel Guide
- 2023 Project Manager, Turning the Plastic Tide Project, East Grampian Coastal Partnership
- 2022 Project Officer Turning the Plastic Tide Project, East Grampian Coastal Partnership
- 2018-2022 Marine Consultant and Photojournalist, The Guardian, Biome Ecology and The Surfers Path
- 2017 Marine Licensing Officer, Marine Scotland
2013 PADI Specialty Instructor - 2013 PADI Open Water SCUBA Instructor
- 2013 PADI Emergency First Responder Instructor
- 2012 PADI Divemaster
- 2012 PADI Rescue Diver
- 2011-2016 Aquarist and Commercial Diver, Macduff Marine Aquarium
- 2011-2012 Laboratory Teaching Assistant, University of Aberdeen
- 2010-2011 Scottish Shark Tagging Program, Press Officer
- 2010 PADI Apnea Diver
- 2009 PADI Advanced Diver
- 2008-2011 Senior Research Scientist, Wyeth & Pfizer, Investigation and understanding of the shark immune system
- 2009 Doctor of Philosophy Marine Biology, University of Aberdeen
- 2004 BSc First Class Honours Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology, University of Plymouth
- 2002 RYA Powerboat Level 2
- 2002 BSAC Ocean Diver
