Every Wave Starts Somewhere.
About the Founder
Shivani Persaud Cowper has always believed the ocean is worth fighting for—and that everyone should have the chance to be part of that fight.
A marine biologist, science communicator, and the founder of The Salty Lab, Shivani’s journey began in the field, working hands-on with marine wildlife and critical habitats. From tagging sharks to studying coastal ecosystems, her mission has always been the same: protecting the ocean. But the deeper she went into marine science, the more she recognized a disconnect between the work happening on the water and the people who cared about it on land.
That realization inspired her to create The Salty Lab—an initiative designed to close that gap. Every product in the shop carries a mission: shark gear fuels shark research, seagrass gear funds seagrass surveys, and every sale helps put Shivani back in the field to continue the work supported by the community.
Transparency is at the heart of her vision. Shivani shares field updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and real data so supporters can join her on the boat, in the lab, and out in the wild.
Beyond research, she is passionate about education. Through The Salty Lab, she develops engaging K–12 lesson plans to inspire the next generation of ocean advocates. Whether someone is a scientist, a teacher, or simply a sea enthusiast, Shivani ensures they feel welcome in the movement.
Through The Research Fleet—the global crew of ocean supporters she’s built—Shivani is proving that conservation isn’t just for scientists; it’s for everyone.
Beyond The Salty Lab
While Shivani’s work in the field is at the heart of The Salty Lab, her passion for protecting life doesn’t stop at the shoreline. She actively collaborates with leading marine organizations, contributing her skills to advance shark research, habitat surveys, and conservation projects beyond her own initiatives. By working alongside other scientists and conservationists, she helps drive collective impact in protecting ocean ecosystems.
Outside of research, Shivani pours her energy into creativity and community—writing, making music, and sharing stories that connect people to the natural world. She is also deeply devoted to animal rescue on land, playing an active role in community outreach and hands-on efforts to save and rehabilitate stray and abandoned animals. Whether it’s helping a stranded sea turtle or fostering rescued dogs, Shivani lives her mission of compassion and conservation every single day.
Her approach is defined by a rare blend of rigor and relatability. Shivani makes complex science accessible through creative storytelling, transforming data into lessons, books, and media that spark curiosity across all ages. This gift for communication allows her to bridge the gap between scientists, educators, policymakers, and the public—ensuring that conservation isn’t just understood, but acted upon.
At her core, Shivani is a connector: of people to science, of passion to purpose, and of local communities to global change. Whether she’s in the field, in the classroom, or in conversation with policymakers, she carries the same vision forward—that protecting our planet is not the work of a few, but the responsibility and privilege of us all.
Shivani’s journey continues to show how creativity, compassion, and science can come together to create lasting impact—reminding us that meaningful change often begins with one person choosing to act.