Science communicator Danni Washington, 28, didn’t learn about her career at a college job fair — she discovered it along the way. The University of Miami graduate double-majored in marine science and biology. She also served as an on-camera personality for the multimedia program Ocean GEMS, traveling to Ecuador, Mexico and Papua New Guinea. But she found her biggest inspiration in her backyard.

Q: What exactly is a science communicator?
A: It’s a new career track. Think of it like a science journalist who utilizes video as a platform.

Q: What started you on this path?
A: I left college frustrated that the public wasn’t aware of what was happening in the ocean. I live in Miami, and I constantly meet young people who have never been to the beach.

Q: Why do you think young people aren’t getting the message?
A: There is a big misconception that science is boring. Really, it’s the study of all life, which includes charismatic megafauna, like whale sharks. A huge gap exists between the work and accomplishments of the science community and the understanding of the general public. What I mostly do is translate.

Q:How so?
A: For Pearson Education, I worked to create 200 videos supplementing science textbooks for kids in kinder- garten up to grade 12. My favorite shoot had me riding roller coasters all day and talking physics. I distilled concepts to a level a child understands, and if you can take it there, you make anyone understand.

Q:What’s next?
A: This year, I want to focus on my YouTube channel. I create videos that focus on travel and adventure, but the bigger theme is conservation. In a way, it’s like giving the public their vitamins but covered in something sweet. Travel and adventure are so relatable, but the conservation message is what’s valuable.

Danni Washington films an episode of Untamed Science for Pearson Education.

For more information on Danni Washington and her conservation work, go to danniwashington.com