Pascale Otis

Producer, Content Creator & Science Communication Specialist

📧 pascaleotis@yahoo.com
📱 027 225 8775
🌐 Video Portfolio

Professional Summary

Some people collect stamps. I collect experiences that probably shouldn't exist on the same CV—and somehow they all make perfect sense together.

Over 25 years, I've gone from research scientist to expedition leader, from filmmaker to university lecturer, from communications strategist to company founder. I've spent 430 days wintering in Antarctica, led an expedition across the Pacific, taught in the Canadian Arctic, and created mental health resources in my home of New Zealand. The common thread? I'm brilliant at taking complex, important information and making it click for the people who need it most.

Current Role

Founder, Producer & Content Creator | Media Elves | 2023 - Present
Part-time 2023-2025, Full-time from July 2025
www.media-elves.nz

I founded Media Elves to bring together a bunch of "elves" that work in the background and make things happen... magically! As founder and lead content creator, I specialise in developing innovative multimedia campaigns that combine scientific accuracy with compelling storytelling. Depending on each project's needs, I bring in other talented elves - from designers and videographers to writers and strategists - ensuring we deliver end-to-end solutions that truly resonate with target audiences.

Previous Key Roles

Note: Some roles were undertaken part-time or seasonally and may overlap chronologically

Senior Engagement Advisor | Ministry for Primary Industries | 2023 - 2025
Part-time role

Developed strategic communications and engagement approaches specifically for the fisheries sector. Created accessible content that effectively translated complex fisheries policy, science, and regulations for fishing industry stakeholders whilst ensuring information was presented in formats that anyone could understand and act upon (particularly important during major regulatory changes that have significantly impacted traditional fishing practices).

Communications Lead - Aquaculture, Fisheries, Oceans, Vessels | NIWA | 2020 - 2023

Led strategic communications and marketing initiatives establishing NIWA as the expert voice in marine sciences. Reported to Communications Manager whilst liaising with Marine Platform Chief Scientists and stakeholders across the organisation. Successfully translated complex oceanographic and fisheries research into accessible content for diverse audiences including government, industry, and the public.

Lecturer in Science Communications | Nunavut Arctic College | 2018 - 2019
Canada

Delivered education programmes covering English as a second language, mathematics, biochemistry, and biology. Supported adult learners returning to education to advance their careers, adapting teaching methods to diverse learning needs and cultural contexts.

Content Producer | Department of Mental Health | 2016 - 2017
New Zealand

Produced comprehensive video series addressing peripartum depression across diverse demographics. Content was utilised for patient support and staff training, improving care for women experiencing mental distress during and after childbirth.

Graphic Designer/Videographer/Photographer | University of Otago | 2014 - 2016
New Zealand

Created educational multimedia content for Medical School curriculum, including video, written materials, and photography. Developed accessible online learning resources and lecture support materials to enhance student engagement and accessibility.

Content Producer | Canadian Museum of Nature | 2014
Canada

Produced video content documenting Arctic environmental changes, displayed continuously at the Museum in Ottawa. Created engaging educational material that communicated complex environmental science to diverse museum audiences.

Content Coordinator | BBC, Canadian Wildlife Service & Oceans North | 2013 - 2014
Arctic

Coordinated filming operations aboard sailing vessel Arctic Tern, supporting production of documentaries and video series focused on Arctic wildlife including whales and seabirds. Managed logistics and content creation in challenging maritime conditions.

Content Producer | WWF International | 2012
Arctic

Produced video content during international expeditions to the Canadian Arctic, capturing b-roll footage and conducting interviews for WWF's digital platforms and educational campaigns.

Content Coordinator & Producer | Parks Canada & ArcticNet | 2009 - 2010
Canada

Coordinated, planned, and filmed video content for online platforms and live conferences. Managed interviews and provided rapid on-site editing for time-sensitive content delivery. Won "Best Guided Tour for Parks Canada" award (2010).

Communications Manager | Students on Ice Foundation | 2009 - 2015
Canada

Managed comprehensive communications strategy for international educational expeditions to polar regions. Developed content for global audiences, coordinated with international media, and mentored students and professionals in effective science communication techniques (turns out polar bears and penguins make excellent teaching aids).

Expedition Leader | Défi Québec Monde | 2006 - 2008

Led expedition across the South Pacific Ocean from Chile to New Zealand, documenting the impacts of human activity on remote islands. Responsible for video production and written press media coverage, combining expedition leadership with comprehensive content creation for international audiences.

Communications Lead - Antarctic Mission | Multi-Agency Antarctic Expedition | 2005 - 2006

Served as communications coordinator during groundbreaking 430-day scientific expedition aboard research vessel wintering in Antarctica (yes, that's over 14 months of explaining ice to people back home). Produced daily multimedia content (photos, videos, blogs) and delivered over 900 live video presentations globally. Prepared expedition members for media interviews and contributed to documentaries, films, and publications.

Canadian Science-Press Agency | Part-time Contractor | 1999 - 2009
Canada

Specialised series writer providing text and images published regularly in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. Developed expertise in translating scientific research into accessible written content for mainstream media audiences.

Scientific Background & Research Experience

Founder | L'OIE-ZOO Research Station | 2000 - Present
Rivière-Rouge, Canada

Founded research station specialising in migratory bird studies, supporting research through Laval and Ottawa universities. Station features summer-time areas open to the public for educational visits, combining scientific research with community engagement.

MSc in Biology | Laval University, Canada | 2002
Specialisation: Arctic bird biology - studying growth, thermoregulation, survival strategies and antifreeze proteins in Arctic migratory birds (snow geese)

Research Scientist | Fish Antifreeze Proteins Research | Atlantic Ocean, 2003

Research Scientist | Antifreeze Proteins in Birds | Antarctica, 2003-2004

Lab Coordinator | Human Kinetics Research Team | University of Ottawa, 2004-2005

Lead Scientist | Oceanography Surveys at Sea | Atlantic Ocean, 2005-2006

Content Creation & Media Production

Digital Content & Web Development

• Website Design & Management: Created and launched www.haku.nz (2022), managed NIWA's Aquaculture, Fisheries, Oceans and Vessels web pages (2020-2022)

• Video Production: Extensive portfolio available at https://vimeo.com/pascaleotis

• Content Strategy: Developed and implemented content across websites, social media, print, radio, and television for local, national, and international coverage

Media Relations & Public Engagement

• Stakeholder Engagement: Proven track record building relationships with government agencies, industry leaders, international organisations, and community groups

• Event Coordination: Managed touring photo exhibitions, book launches, media conferences, and educational events

• Training & Mentoring: Extensive experience preparing scientists and professionals for media interviews and public presentations

Local and International Project Experience

Contributed content expertise to major international initiatives including:

• Ministry for Primary Industries (New Zealand, 2023-2025)

• NIWA (New Zealand, 2020-2023)

• Arctic Research Foundation (Arctic, 2018)

• Canadian High Arctic Research Station (Arctic, 2018-2019)

• Wellington Regional Council (New Zealand, 2016)

• Department of Mental Health (New Zealand, 2016-2017)

• University of Otago, Wellington (New Zealand, 2014-2015)

• Canadian Museum of Nature (2014)

• BBC & Canadian Wildlife Service (Arctic, 2013-2014)

• WWF International (Arctic, 2012)

• Parks Canada & ArcticNet (Canada, 2009-2010)

• Défi Québec Monde (South Pacific Ocean, 2006-2008)

• Multi-Agency Antarctic Expedition (Antarctica, 2005-2006)

Technical Skills & Relevant Experience

Video Production & Editing Proficient with Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, field videography with personal professional equipment, and live streaming and remote presentation delivery.

Design & Publishing Proficient with Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, print and digital publication design, and brand development and visual identity. Contributed to the award-winning "Tara Arctic, a New Zealander's Epic Voyage" including manuscript review, cover design, and graphic formatting.

Maritime & Fieldwork Experience Previously held NZ maritime safety at sea certification (STCW, expired 2025) and commercial zodiac driver licence (expired 2019). Extensive experience working on boats as first mate and crew member (2005-2015). Proven capability in challenging field conditions including Arctic, Antarctic, polar and tropical marine environments.

Languages Fluent in English and French, with introductory level Te Reo Māori and Inuinnaqtun.

Awards & Recognition

🏆 Canadian Geographic Magazine Recognition (2020) - Named among fifteen leading Canadian science communicators "who has inspired others to discover and care for our world" (still not sure how I made this list)

🏆 Children's Choice Award (Chicago International Children's Film Festival, 2014) - Producer of award-winning film "Mr Bingles" (is it true that kids are the toughest critics?)

🏆 Independent Publisher Book Award (New York, 2011) - Winner for "Tara Arctic, a New Zealander's Epic Voyage" (manuscript review, cover design, graphic formatting)

🏆 Best Guided Tour for Parks Canada (2010) - Recognition for excellence in educational tour delivery and visitor engagement

🏆 Pierre-Dansereau Award (Canada, 2007) - Youngest recipient for "outstanding work in popular science communication" (apparently I peaked early in the 'making science fun' department)

Recent Community Engagement

Board Member & Media Content Coordinator | Wellington Coastguard | 2022 - 2025

Volunteered strategic communications expertise and content creation skills to support marine safety initiatives in the Wellington region.

Professional References

Rob Christie
Former Manager, Marine Resources, NIWA
robertc@spc.int

Dr Rhian Salmon
Associate Professor, Science Communications, Te Pūnaha Matatini
Victoria University of Wellington
rhian.salmon@vuw.ac.nz

Dr Tehmina Gladman
Education Advisor
University of Otago - Wellington
tehmina.gladman@otago.ac.nz