Lauren founded Indo Ocean Project in 2017 combining her passion for teaching diving and marine research. Originally from Canada she has spent the last 10 years living in Indonesia. She become a dive professional in 2007 and her background is in biology and theatre. She has published 5 papers in marine science and policy. With over 15 years in the diving industry she has worked as a research diver and dive instructor in the Caribbean, Australia, South Pacific, and South East Asia. She is also a passionate freediver and underwater photographer.

Pascal comes from Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, and completed his masters degree at James Cook University in Australia, with a focus on coral and bryozoan taxonomy. Before joining Indo Ocean Project he previously published 2 papers and successfully identified 6 new species of bryozoans. Pascal is also an experienced dive instructor with over 6 years diving in the Penida MPA. He plans to use the research at Indo Ocean Project to complete his PhD and is the driving force behind CorAlliance and all of Indo Ocean Project’s research and publications.

Michaela grew up in Slovakia but spent 14 years working in a corporate setting in Ireland before leaving it all behind to focus on a career in conservation and diving. She has traveled the world as a recreational diver and moved to Indonesia to complete her divemaster program with Indo Ocean Project. She is one of IOP’s first divemaster trainees and was hired full-time as program coordinator shortly after graduating. After five years with the Indo Ocean Project, Michaela has become a PADI and SSI instructor and managed the Penida Project for two years before stepping into the role of Chief Financial and Administration Officer for all projects. But don’t worry, she isn’t just stuck behind the desk! She still jumps around between projects as the lead support staff.

Serena is an award-winning PADI IDC Staff Instructor & SSI Master Instructor with over 1200 certifications. She has been working in diving for the last 12 years, 9 of those directly involved in marine conservation, with a focus on marine megafauna and elasmobranchs. She spent 2 years working at the world’s greatest shark dive in Fiji where she worked on BRUV research in the Beqa Lagoon. She’s a published marine biologist and underwater photographer and was responsible for developing and organising the Indo Ocean Project curriculum from 2018 – 2024.

After 6 years as the program director & chief operating officer Serena is taking a well-deserved 12-month sabbatical but will be staying on as a research & program consultant.

Qinthan, a marine biologist and coral expert from Java, graduated in 2021 from Diponegoro University, where she researched whale shark emergence in Saleh Bay. She received a coral restoration scholarship in the Gili Islands and led conservation efforts at the UNDIP Seagrass Conservation Center. Starting with Indo Ocean Project as a research assistant in May 2022, she quickly advanced to Senior Marine Biologist and Community Manager at the Bira Project, bringing her expertise in coral restoration and community engagement.

Rinaldi is originally from Jakarta but spent most of his adult life in Hong Kong where he graduated with a degree in Biology from Hong Kong University in 2017. He started diving in 2016 and joined Indo Ocean Project as a divemaster and research diver intern in early 2022. His background and skills in data analysis and research made him a perfect fit for the team and he started working for Indo Ocean Project in June 2022. He is a passionate underwater photographer and always up for a chat about macro critters & data analysis.

After 6 years as the program director & chief operating officer Serena is taking a well-deserved 12-month sabbatical but will be staying on as a research & program consultant.

Ilham, originally from Bekasi, West Java, is an oceanography graduate passionate about marine conservation. With a background in coastal inundation research from Bandung Institute of Technology, he joined Indo Ocean Foundation as a data analyst and research assistant. He brings a strong interest in remote sensing to the team and, as an Advanced Open Water diver, is working toward his Divemaster certification to spend even more time in the field

Icha (Aliviannisha Winda Zachrany) just graduated in October 2024 and dove right into her new role as Communications and Administrative Assistant at Indo Ocean Foundation. With a knack for ocean data and a flair for PR, she’s not only skilled in tools like MATLAB and ArcGIS but also loves getting the word out on marine conservation. From her research internship on water mass characteristics to leading campus marine events, Icha brings a dynamic mix of science smarts and communication savvy to the team. She’s ready to make waves in marine conservation—both in and out of the lab!

Water is her element! Selene’s passion for the water started when she was very young as an agonistic synchronized swimmer. When she was just 12 years old she was Open Water certified in Egypt and from that moment on she never stopped diving around the world with her family. While studying she coached synchronized swimming and taught high school sciences in Italy, her native country.

Selene later became a Marine Biologist carrying out her thesis project research about coral reef rugosity effects on fish abundance across dive sites around Nusa Penida at IOP after she completed her divemaster and reseach program as an intern. Now, as an instructor she can teach people how to respectfully explore and appreciate her passion, and form the next generation of divers. After a year co-managing Raja Ampat Selene is back for her second year with IOP as sole manager of the Penida Project. 

Kristova, or Tova, originally from Jakarta, spent six years in Australia, where he earned a Master of BioSciences from the University of Melbourne with a focus on marine and microbiology. First learning to dive in Melbourne’s chilly waters, Tova conducted research on coral microbiomes to understand the symbiotic relationships within coral ecosystems. Driven by a commitment to marine conservation, he is passionate about developing new ways to enhance coral resilience against climate change and protect these vital ecosystems.

Arya comes from our very own Nusa Penida island and has been working alongside IOP as a Dive Guide in Penida’s waters for more than 2 years. He is one of the founding members of the CorAlliance project and is Pascal’s right hand man. You cant miss Arya’s enormous smile and he is always happy to help you learn Bahasa in exchange for practicing his English! Arya focuses on mangroves, community work and CoralWatch, however he has fast become the best at fish identification.

Greg Bouillon, a Fisheries and Marine Biology Engineer from Institut Agro Rennes-Angers, joined Indo Ocean Project as a Divemaster and Research Intern in 2021 at Nusa Penida, specializing in species ecology and coral monitoring techniques like BRUV and CoralWatch. With over 300 dives and PADI Instructor certification, Greg has since worked as a freelance dive instructor in Thailand and as a project manager for COREPEM, focusing on ecosystem modeling and data analysis. His expertise in marine ecosystems and hands-on conservation make him a valuable asset to the team.

Sudar, a native of Makassar, the bustling capital of South Sulawesi, discovered his passion for marine conservation while earning his degree in Marine Science. As chairman of his university’s Triangle Diving Club, he spearheaded initiatives to promote marine awareness among students. His academic journey culminated in a thesis on coral reef diversity, where he applied remote sensing and GIS technology to understand coral ecosystems and enhance his skills in spatial analysis. Certified as a divemaster and scientific diver in Penida, Sudar now leads coral reef health assessments. His career includes work as a Marine Conservation Scientist in Lombok, and he currently serves as a Marine Biology and Project Coordinator, driving conservation initiatives and engaging closely with local communities.

Valentina Serrazanetti, originally from Bologna, Italy, graduated from Indo Ocean Project’s Raja Ampat Project in June 2024. She graduated with a Bachelors degree from the University of Bologna before she flew off for her adventure in Indonesia. After completing her instructor course in Thailand, Valentina gained practical experience as a dive instructor before rejoining the Indo Ocean team in Bira as the Dive Instructor and Program Coordinator. Her academic background and hands-on expertise in diving make her an enthusiastic leader in the Bira program, dedicated to marine conservation and education.

Yuly Vernilianty, originally from the neighboring island of Selayar, is a Research Assistant at the Indo Ocean Project’s Bira Project. She graduated with a degree in Marine Science from Universitas Muslim Indonesia, where she built a strong foundation in marine conservation and coral reef monitoring. Certified as a Diver Stress and Rescue and Marine Ecology specialist, Yuly brings hands-on experience from her work with Taka Bonerate National Park and LINI Foundation, where she engaged in coral transplantation, species monitoring, and community-led conservation efforts. Passionate about sustaining marine ecosystems, Yuly actively supports conservation initiatives and data collection in Bira.

Maxs, originally from Nabire City, Papua, holds a Marine Science degree from Sam Ratulangi University, where he specialized in benthic and fish studies. He began diving in 2017 and gained extensive experience as a freelance tour guide at Tagaroa Diving Center. After earning his PADI Divemaster certification through a government scholarship, he completed a master’s degree at IPB University in 2024, focusing on sponge transplantation and antioxidants. Maxs joined Indo Ocean Project in August 2024 as Program Coordinator and Marine Biologist for the Raja Ampat program, bringing a blend of scientific expertise and professional diving experience.

Mia is a Marine Biology graduate from the University of Melbourne and an alum of Indo Ocean Project’s Raja Ampat Project, where they completed an internship in 2024. After becoming a certified Dive Instructor, Mia returned as a staff member in January 2025. With experience in biodiversity assessments and bush restoration from their work with ABZECO, Mia blends conservation skills with a background in hospitality, excelling in training, conflict resolution, and customer service. They are dedicated to marine conservation and fieldwork, bringing a unique mix of expertise to the Indo Ocean team.

Lois graduated from IPB University in Bogor, Java in 2022 with a BSc in Marine Science and Technology with a focus on marine conservation. He joined his school’s diving club and assisted in Scientific Diving courses. He gained his Rescue Diver certification while working as a marine surveyor around Indonesia before joining the team in Raja Ampat where he works as a Research Assistant while completing his Divemaster certification. Lois also enjoys music and can be found around the campfire in the evening teaching you some Indonesian songs.