Biography

Billie Wales (she/her) is an Honours student in Human Geography at the University of Auckland, having completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Human Geography and Environmental Studies. Her research explores gendered perceptions of risk in ocean spaces, with a focus on contributing to drowning prevention initiatives and understanding how people navigate and experience ocean environments.

Her broader interests include community resilience, disaster management, environmental justice, environmental management, and socio-ecological systems. Alongside her studies, Billie volunteers with community-based marine conservation groups and is passionate about protecting and building meaningful relationships with ocean environments.

Born in Aotearoa New Zealand and raised in the French Alps, Billie is bilingual in English and French, with her experiences across both countries informing her interest in people, place, environment, and community.