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We are perfectly placed to provide support for media filming. We can provide passionate research scientists to talk about a wide variety of topics from the microscopic to our ocean giants all while using our world-class facilities.  We can provide a wide range of services supported by our communications team, modern communications equipment and skilled, vibrant communicators. 


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Comms Team


Maya Plass

Maya Plass Mem.MBA, HonFBNA

Head of Communications

Maya Plass Mem.MBA, HonFBNA

Head of Communications

Maya Plass

maypla@mba.ac.uk

I lead a team who are responsible for establishing the Marine Biological Association as the primary voice of the marine biological community. My ambition is to increase the MBA’s visibility through strengthening our brand, increasing media outputs and targeted marketing in support of our strategic goals.

I have always been passionate about the ocean both in my free time and professionally. After my studies in marine sciences, my career started by reviewing coastal tourism of Peninsula Valdes, Argentina followed by working on a European water catchment project for Devon County Council. I went on to establish my own venture “Learn To Sea” in 2008 which evolved to my becoming an author, media broadcaster and an independent voice for our marine environment. My passion for communicating the importance of life in the ocean and its vital role to society led to my role as patron of marine charities. 

I am excited to apply my experience and skills to my role at the Marine Biological Association (which I have been a proud member of for over 20 years). I have had the privilege of leading on the development of our new website and rebrand of the MBA in 2022.

Neri Blower

Neri Campbell

Communications Officer

Neri Campbell

Communications Officer

Neri Blower

Neri.Campbell@mba.ac.uk

With almost 10 years’ experience working in public relations, journalism and marketing, I have a wealth of communication knowledge which I use to promote the world-leading research and science innovation from the Marine Biological Association.
My key areas of expertise are: news stories, press releases and distribution, web editing, working with the media, digital design and graphics, video editing, social media advertising and promotions.

Social Media and Marketing Officer Caitlin Hodges

Caitlin Hodges

Social Media and Marketing Officer

Caitlin Hodges

Social Media and Marketing Officer

Jennifer Leigh

Jennifer Leigh BSc (Hons) MSc

Communications Officer and CPR Survey Plankton Analyst

Jennifer Leigh BSc (Hons) MSc

Communications Officer and CPR Survey Plankton Analyst

Jennifer Leigh

jenski@mba.ac.uk

Since joining the CPR Survey in 2011, I have developed my taxonomic expertise in phyto- and zooplankton and am part of both the North Atlantic and North Pacific Analysis teams. During this time, I’ve worked on various aspects of the CPR Survey and have used this wealth of knowledge to deliver outreach events including training workshops in the UK and abroad and hosting visitors to the MBA. 

In addition to the position of Plankton Analyst, I am also Communications Officer for the MBA. Through this role I share the story and impact of the CPR Survey with a wide range of audiences via presentations at conferences, codeveloping exhibitions in public spaces and working with national media. I am also responsible for internal MBA communications, which includes coordinating a series of internal seminars, publishing monthly newsletters and compiling the MBA Annual Report.   

Photographic Officer Chris Parkes

Chris Parkes

Photographic Officer

Chris Parkes

Photographic Officer

My diverse skills, developed over 23 years of photography, have taken me from shooting in hailstorms in the UK to recording the experiences of those affected by conflict in NE Nigeria. My intimate storytelling makes people the agents of their own stories, and my eye-catching images have helped a wide range of national and international organisations bring their stories to life.

Born in the UK, but raised in South Africa during the last decade of apartheid and a member of the LGBTQIA community, I have developedd a powerful sense of how inequalities impact the human experience. I see visual storytelling as the bridge between empathy and change, that photographers have a moral obligation to depict the stories they tell with dignity and that the enduring popularity of photography makes it one of the core mediums in creating a fairer world.

My imagery often uses strong contrast and controlled lighting, and has been published in a wide range of national and international platfroms.

Maggie Thomas

Maggie Thomas

Receptionist

Maggie Thomas

Receptionist

Maggie Thomas

reception@mba.ac.uk

I have worked at Citadel Hill for many years, five years initially with PML as a Lab. Technician, after which I took time out to have my two children. I then returned to work for the MBA in the Journal of the Marine Biologicall Association (JMBA) office as Editorial Assistant. I also spent time working in the National Marine Biological Library (NMBL).

I am now the Receptionist at the MBA, and am also a member of the Communications Team. I look forward to welcoming you to the MBA!


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