Meet The Team

Christian Shaw

Founder & Executive Director

Christian is a waterman, adventurer, and storyteller discovering a path to make an impact in the world at the intersection of passion and purpose.

JD Whitman

GYM Program Director

JD is a professional artist, educator, and ocean advocate conducting interdisciplinary research on a global scale. She investigates how art, scientific inquiry, technology, and public engagement can be combined to counteract negative climate and ecological emotions in environmental education;
facilitate effective science communication; provide nature-based, experiential learning opportunities; and drive collective, community action to influence policy.

Hunter White

Social Media Director

Hunter is from Virginia Beach, VA where she received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology in 2021. Since graduation, Hunter has volunteered at her local Aquarium, hosted clean-up events, worked for Long Creek Oyster Company, and recently started working full time for Hampton Roads Sanitation District.

Hunter White

Social Media Director

Hunter is from Virginia Beach, VA where she received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology in 2021. Since graduation, Hunter has volunteered at her local Aquarium, hosted clean-up events, worked for Long Creek Oyster Company, and recently started working full time for Hampton Roads Sanitation District.

Pinyi Liu

GSocial Media Coordinator

Pinyi graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in psychology and currently works in digital marketing in California. Outside of Plastic Tides she likes to volunteer in animal shelters, hike, play music, and stand-up paddle. Passionate about wildlife conservation and reduced waste living, she joined Plastic Tides because she loved the mission and their content!

Pinyi Liu

Social Media Coordinator

Pinyi graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in psychology and currently works in digital marketing in California. Outside of Plastic Tides she likes to volunteer in animal shelters, hike, play music, and stand-up paddle. Passionate about wildlife conservation and reduced waste living, she joined Plastic Tides because she loved the mission and their content!

Christina Van Dyke

Recruitment Intern

Christina grew up in Long Beach, California spending most of her time outside and around the water. This fostered a deep passion for the natural environment and a desire to be involved in oceanic conservation efforts. She is currently a senior at Connecticut College studying Government and Environmental Studies under their Social Justice and Sustainability pathway. After graduation, she plans to work in the environmental policy field..

Meghan Parker

Development Coordinator

Meghan graduated from Colby College in 2021 with a BA in Environmental Policy and French Studies and is working towards a career in marine conservation. Currently based outside of Boston, she likes to spend her free time hiking or discovering new favorite beaches. She joined Plastic Tides because she values the impact that youth leaders can have in their community.

Josh Wiegman

Public Relations Coordinator

Josh is a Colorado native and 4th-year communication studies student at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Inspired by Plastic Tide’s work to facilitate opportunities for experiential learning and youth empowerment surrounding aquatic plastic pollution, he joined the team as a public relations intern in July 2021.

Madeline Warner

GYM Program Content Coordinator

Maddie is pursuing an MA in International Environmental Policy at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, CA, USA. She has zeroed in on marine plastic pollution and deep seabed mining during her studies. She has previously worked with The Ocean Foundation to develop accessible, science-based social media content and adores working with the incredible and inspirational Plastic Tides team to keep plastic out of our waterways!

Delaney Brenner

GYM Program Content Creator

Delaney is a first-year student at Connecticut College where she plans to study Biology and French. Her goal is to attend medical school after graduation. She is a part of the Women’s Varsity Swim Team continuing a 12-year-long swim career. She has always had a passion for science and helping others and is proud to now be part of an organization doing just that.

Delaney Brenner

GYM Program Content Creator

Delaney is a first-year student at Connecticut College where she plans to study Biology and French. Her goal is to attend medical school after graduation. She is a part of the Women’s Varsity Swim Team continuing a 12-year-long swim career. She has always had a passion for science and helping others and is proud to now be part of an organization doing just that.

Charles Howe

Content Creator

Charles is from Cornwall, England and has lived in Taiwan for over three years. He recently completed his MA in Graphic Design and is currently teaching Graphic Design and Art History. Charles joined Plastic Tides to take a more active role in the fight against plastic pollution and climate change, develop his design skill-set, and work with a global team of like-minded people.

Charles Howe

Content Creator

Charles is from Cornwall, England and has lived in Taiwan for over three years. He recently completed his MA in Graphic Design and is currently teaching Graphic Design and Art History. Charles joined Plastic Tides to take a more active role in the fight against plastic pollution and climate change, develop his design skill-set, and work with a global team of like-minded people.

khadija Jawwad

Content Creator Intern

Khadija is originally from Canada and is currently living in the UAE conducting a gap year. Next fall she will be attending university in the UK to pursue a degree in Law. Her hobbies include horse riding, swimming, reading, and sketching. She joined Plastic Tides because she is extremely
passionate about saving the environment. She wants to work to make a difference so that the coming generations can also enjoy the beauty of the natural world.

We need your help!

We are looking to fill a select few intern positions within the Plastic Tides team.