Dr. Allyson Brown, or Divemaster Ally, has always dreamed to serve her community through developing a science program for underrepresented youth. As a child, she attended multiple science programs at Purdue University where she was introduced to various careers in the sciences with other students that looked just like her. While obtaining her Bachelor of Science, Master of Forensic Science, and Doctorate of Optometry, Dr. Brown realized the issue with underrepresentation of minorities in the sciences continues to exist. After becoming a scuba diving professional and noticing the same trend, Dr. Brown decided to combine her passion to save the ocean and her love of the hard sciences to serve in her community. Within Marion County, children as young as 8 years of age up to adults as young as 69 years of age expressed their strong interest in swimming and/or diving to Dr. Brown. Through exposing these individuals to introductory scuba classes in the pool, and learning that most people finances contribute to the hinderance of continuing aquatics activities, Dr. Brown decided to form Sea Scope Incorporated, also know as Sea Scope Inc in order to provide the opportunity for all people, regardless of race and ethnicity and social economic status, to become contributors of saving our planet. Whether it be to become scientists in the fields of environmental science, or become ocean advocates and participating in ocean clean ups, or by simply reducing ones carbon footprint, all should have the opportunities to play their part.

More personally, during her Divemaster training Dr. Brown realized the mental health benefits of aquatic activities. Dr. Brown had been battling incidences of anxiety for 16 years. Scuba diving and swimming helped alleviate anxiety and promoted spiritual well-being for her. Dr. Brown’s mentally disabled brother expresses the same same benefit when he began swimming. The water has become therapeutic and a place of peace. As a result of these personal experiences, Dr. Brown realized that the benefits of this nonprofit organization go beyond efforts to save the planet, but also to save people.

Dr. Allyson Brown is member of the National Marine Educators Association, an Scuba School International Ecology and React Right Instructor, is a PADI, SDI, and SSI Professional Diver, member of Diversity in Aquatics, a Red Cross Water Safety Ambassador, a Certified Swim Instructor, and a member of the American Academy of Underwater Sciences undergoing Scientific Diver training.