Explorer, Writer, Marine Scientist

My name is Ingrid Wells. I am a high school student driven by curiosity about the natural world—especially our global oceans. As a competitive swimmer, writer, and aspiring marine biologist, much of my life revolves around water, exploration, and learning how our planet works. I am fascinated by marine ecosystems, scientific discovery, and the stories that connect people to the ocean.

I grew up in Canada. Being constantly surrounded by mountains, forests, and lakes, it made me almost impossible not to become curious about the natural world. From a young age, I found myself appreciating about how ecosystems worked and why the planet supports us the way it does.

I have also been incredibly fortunate to explore different parts of the world while growing up. So far I have traveled to more than fifteen countries, including oceangoing places like the Seychelles, the Galápagos Islands, Nicaragua, and Iceland. Seeing such different environments firsthand has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life. Every place feels completely unique, yet at the same time I began to realize how connected everything on Earth really is.

The ocean has always been the environment that fascinates me the most. As a competitive swimmer, I spend countless hours a week in the water, and over time that connection grew into a deeper curiosity about what exists beneath the surface. The ocean is home to some of the most complex ecosystems on the planet, from coral reefs to apex predators like sharks, but it also quietly plays one of the most important roles in keeping our planet stable.

What many people don’t realize is that our oceans absorb a huge amount of the carbon dioxide we produce, acting as one of the planet’s most important carbon sinks. Without it, climate change would already be far worse. At the same time, the systems that help regulate our planet are under increasing pressure. Even if carbon emissions stopped tomorrow, global warming and sea level rise would continue for many more years. This is why, more than ever, it is important to raise awareness about such matters and make people realize that climate change is not something that we have the luxury to spend 30 more years working on.

Learning about these challenges has made me realize how important it is for more people to understand the role the ocean plays in our future. My goal is to pursue marine science and help raise awareness about the ecosystems and species that keep our planet functioning.

The ocean has shaped the way I see the world, and protecting it is the work I hope to dedicate my life to.