Marine Scientist · PhD Researcher · Science Communicator
Studying diatoms, the microscopic algae behind every fifth breath we take. She didn't take the traditional route into science, and that's kind of the point.
Yasmin Meeda wasn't the kid in rock pools. She can't scuba dive. She's not a strong swimmer. She fell in love with the ocean through books and documentaries, from dry land, looking in.
After Brighton, she took a data analyst job. It lasted a year. She kept thinking about one marine biology module that made her forget she was studying. So she quit, went travelling, did turtle conservation in Malaysia, and never looked back.
Now she holds a PhD from Exeter, researches gene-editing technology at Cranfield, and has a community of 66,000 people who see themselves in her story. The girl who wore fake nails in the lab and proved you don't have to look a certain way to do real science.
"I wasn't sure that I belonged in the field of ocean science. But I learned that not fitting the mould is exactly what science needs."
Yaz studies diatoms, microscopic algae that most people have never heard of. They produce roughly 20% of all the oxygen on Earth. Every fifth breath you take exists because of them. Her research sits across molecular biology, genetic engineering, and environmental science.
PhD research into phosphorus-calcium signalling pathways in diatoms. Basically, figuring out how these microscopic organisms talk to each other and respond to their environment at the molecular level.
Developing genetic tools to modify diatoms and microorganisms. The goal is to engineer them to do useful things, like produce biofuels or break down pollutants.
Current work at Cranfield uses biofilms, communities of microorganisms, to clean wastewater and tackle pollution. Think of it as putting nature's smallest organisms to work on some of our messiest problems.
ITV News, Apple TV+ premieres, podcasts, keynotes. Yaz talks about marine science wherever people will listen.
Invited to the London premiere. One of the biggest natural history events of the year, and Yaz was in the room.
Recognised for research excellence, presenting work on diatom phosphorus-calcium signalling pathways.
Four-part series on Natural Remedies to fight climate change. "These restoration projects will help replant seagrasses to mitigate the impacts of climate change."
Season 2, Episode 4. Career journey, worst jobs during school, and how she found her way into marine science.
Keynote speaker at the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth. "They are hugely inspired by the achievements, bravery and confidence of your amazing speakers." – Attendee
66K people follow along for the real version of what it's like to be a marine scientist. The messy lab days, the wins, and everything in between.
UV radiation, sunscreen chemicals, and coral bleaching
Feature profile on marine science communication
Sunscreen chemicals and coral reef ecosystems
Marine conservation and science communication
Representation and inclusivity in marine research
Best Presentation Prize & Best Poster Prize
A monthly science book club. Each month, Yaz picks a book that makes the natural world feel closer. Accessible, genuinely interesting, and for anyone who's ever looked at the ocean and wondered what's going on down there.
From popular science to deep-dive research stories, spanning ocean ecology, biotechnology, conservation, and the human stories behind discovery.
#ReadWithYaz on Instagram
Favourite tools, collaborations, and resources, picked by Yaz.
Science subscription box, code: yaz25
Smart note-taking device
FREE tutoring lesson
Code: Yasmin for $100 off
Search engine that plants trees, free
Sustainable electric toothbrush
Book subscription for students
Science & molecular biology tools
For collaborations, speaking engagements, press enquiries, or just to say hello.
marinebiowithyaz@gmail.com
Lab coats and real talk
Dr Yasmin Meeda @marinebiologywithyaz
🌊 Marine scientist 🧬 Using biotech to help the environment 🎓 Life inside research & paths into science 🩵 Making science make sense