Coastal Carolina University’s Gupta College of Science will host a presentation by Tanya Houppermans, an international award-winning underwater photographer, videographer, and shark naturalist, titled “Swimming with Sharks: Working with the World’s Most Misunderstood Creature.” She will speak on Friday, Nov. 3, from 5-6 p.m., in Clay Brittain Jr. Hall, room 101. The event is free and open to the public.

Houppermans will delve into her background, showcasing some of the photos and videos she has captured throughout her career. She made the decision to leave the corporate world behind in 2015 to pursue her passion for underwater imaging and shark conservation. Her dedication and talent have earned her numerous international awards for her photography, including an unprecedented three first-place awards in the sharks category at the World Shootout competition. Her images have graced the pages of internationally renowned publications such as National Geographic. She has also had the privilege of collaborating with major names in the broadcast media industry, including the BBC, Discovery, NBC, and National Geographic, both in front of and behind the camera.

Houppermans stands at the forefront of shark research, due to her collaborations with scientists and relentless efforts to expand the public’s knowledge of these often-misunderstood creatures. She has particularly focused on the sand tiger sharks of North Carolina. Due to her significant contributions and groundbreaking discoveries in the field of shark science, she was elected as a fellow into the prestigious Explorer’s Club, a multidisciplinary, professional society dedicated to the advancement of field research, scientific exploration, and research conservation, headquartered in New York City.