Next level of Innovation and Inspiration! Black Girls Dive Foundation adds Marc Casey and Capt. Michael Birns, as members of the Advisory Board and to serve as Program Directors to bring more innovation and technology to existing program tracks for scientific diving and underwater robotics, and underwater cinematography.

Marc Casey takes role as Program Director of Underwater Cinematography

As the new Program Director of Underwater Cinematography, Marc will be responsible for the oversight of all underwater cinematography courses, in-class and in-field experiences and equipment. Marc brings with him a wealth of breadth and depth in his knowledge of and experiences in the field. Marc Casey is currently the owner/operator of Aqua Boogie. He is also a freelance underwater camera technician and has been a member of the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG) local 600 for over 12 years. Marc is a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and graduated, cum laude, with a BFA in Film and Television. Important to his underwater work, Marc has gained technical knowledge of working with Hydroflex, Armada, Gates, and Nauticam underwater camera housings. His credits include Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, The Suicide Squad, Ozark, Stranger Things, and Doom Patrol. Marc won a silver award for his documentary “Saving a River” and given an Associated Press Best Use of Sound Honorable Mention Award while working at WSAV News 3.

“While on my underwater journey I found that there was a lot to learn and plenty of people to guide me but I kept asking myself who would I share this wealth of information with. What would be my underwater legacy? When I discovered the mission of Black Girl Dive, I knew I could help their young ladies tell stories. Science, Technology, Robotics, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STREAMS) with SCUBA diving is right up my alley. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.”

— Marc Casey, BGD Program Director of Underwater Cinematography

Captain Mike Birns to assume oversight of BGD Scientific Diving Operations and Liaison for the University of Delaware

As the new Program Director of Scientific Dive Operations at Black Girls Dive Foundation, Capt. Mike will be responsible for courses, scientific diver certifications, reviewing and managing scientific dive plans. As an educator, Mike has extensive experience in Curriculum Development for environmental interpretations, boating, and SCUBA diving; teaching established curriculum to audiences of all ages, cultural backgrounds, interests and educational levels, and creating materials such as videos, signs, exhibits, tear sheets, etc.

Mike’s academic pathway includes being a graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara where he obtained a Bachelor Degree in Physical Geography and Aquatic Biology and being a Registered EMT in Florida. He currently the Dive Safety Office and SCUBA instructor for the University of Delaware. Previously he spent four (4) years as the Marine Operations Manager and OCEARCH Coordinator. He is also the co-founder and President of the Manatee Eco-Tourism Association of Citrus County (META) and is well known for his conservation initiatives in Citrus County, Florida that includes supporting U.S. Fish & Wildlife to develop the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, and his Field Research that has supported vessel and shore-based research in the marine and freshwater environments.

You can read more about Marc Casey and Captain Mike Birns by clicking on the link under their bio picture at https://blakgirlsdivefoundation.org/bgd-faculty

About: Black Girls Dive Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides aquatic based eco-STEM programming for young girls of color that have been historically excluded from aquatic-based science spaces and subsequently are underrepresented in those spaces.