Maéva Gauthier is the Program Manager, Community-Led Research at MEOPAR. She recently completed her PhD in Geography at the University of Victoria, where her research explored participatory arts-based approaches to engage Inuvialuit youth on climate change and plastics in the Arctic. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in ocean science, education, outreach, and community-based research, she is passionate about fostering meaningful partnerships and supporting equitable and impactful ocean research across Canada. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, snorkeling, travelling, filmmaking, and adventuring with her family—including beachcombing on BC’s coast and swimming with whale sharks.