Searcher Hawai'i
Meet the Team
Behind Ocean Conscious is a team of mariners, educators, scientists, storytellers, and stewards with over 200 combined years of experience in marine and terrestrial conservation, environmental education, and life at sea. Our work spans coral reefs and coastlines, classrooms and communities, research vessels and small boats—where learning, listening, and respect for the natural world guide everything we do.
We bring deep technical knowledge together with lived experience on the water and on the land. That combination allows us to meet people where they are, translate big challenges into meaningful action, and support ideas from their earliest spark through real-world impact.
Whether you’re seeking guidance, collaboration, or a partner to help turn a vision into something tangible, our team is here to navigate the journey with you—thoughtfully, responsibly, and with care for the ocean and the communities connected to it.
Gillian Wysock
Founder, Director, Chair, Educational Program Director
Growing up in the mountains of Colorado, Gillian felt an early pull toward the ocean that led her to the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Marine Science program, shaping a lifelong path of ocean exploration. Guided by generous mentors and thousands of miles at sea, she developed a deep respect for shared knowledge, collaboration, and life on the water. Programs such as UH Hilo Marine Science, MOP, QUEST, and SEA played a formative role in her education and approach. Since earning her captain’s license, working with MFSE, and crewing aboard Searcher since 2010, she has focused on building community outreach programs that connect people through education, exploration, and meaningful engagement.
Julia Hartl
Vice Chair, Research Program Director
Jules joined Searcher Hawaiʻi in 2014 as a deckhand and research assistant, supporting seasonal voyages to Papahānaumokuākea. Originally from California’s Bay Area, Jules moved to Oʻahu after high school and earned a degree in Biological Sciences from Hawaiʻi Pacific University. Jules is currently pursuing graduate studies at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, researching the long-term impacts of North Shore shark ecotourism on the movement, diet, and energetics of target shark species.
Ilana Nims
Secretary, Community Outreach Director
Nimz is a marine ornitharborist, a seabird biologist and arborist, from Waimānalo on Oʻahu. Over the past 15 years, Nimz has worked with a range of research and conservation organizations studying seabirds, monk seals, nudibranchs, and native plants in remote locations including Papahānaumokuākea, the Farallon Islands, and the Aleutians. Nimz served as a scientist aboard Searcher for the Nihoa Cenchrus Eradication Project.
Mollie Ginther
Communications Director
Mollie is a graphic designer and scientific illustrator originally from Wisconsin. Since moving to Hawaiʻi in 2016, she has worked with a range of conservation and marine organizations, from on-the-ground conservation management on Palmyra Atoll to serving as a communications specialist and scientific illustrator for NOAA Fisheries. Her work bridges science and storytelling to make complex research accessible and engaging.
Jen Ballou
Marketing Director
Jen is a designer and creative leader based in Hawaiʻi, focused on bringing environmental stories to life through thoughtful, brand-driven design and outreach. She is the founder of Do Good Productions, an environmental film consultancy advancing sustainability practices within Hawaiʻi’s film industry. Through her work, she blends creativity and advocacy to strengthen community engagement. Outside of work, Jen spends as much time as possible on the water sailing and racing, drawing inspiration from the ocean that shapes both her life and her work.