University of Miami
Rosenstiel School of Marine
and Atmospheric Science/MGG
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149
T (305) 200-9424

Nikita is an Irish-Bahamian born in Toronto, Canada in 1987. She moved to the Bahamas at the age of seven, when her father wanted to return home to the islands. Growing up in Nassau, Nikita spent her days outside in nature and surrounded by the sea. In 2001 she got a summer job at Stuart Cove Dive Bahamas as a snorkel guide and fell in love with the ocean. She continued her association with Stuart Cove for the next several years, acquiring dive certifications from open water to dive master. Her long-standing interest in photography was stimulated by the opportunity to join the Fin Photo staff at Stuart Coves, where she was trained as an underwater photographer and videographer.

Currently a student at the University of Miami, Nikita is scheduled to receive a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Affairs in spring 2010. She then plans to pursue graduate studies at the Rosenstie l School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences .

As a U. Miami student,  Nikita started working with Dr. Pamela Reid in 2007 and played a significant role in establishing The Danguillecourt Project. As the founder of Young Bahamian Marine Scientists program, she is actively involved in the development of environmental educational programs for Bahamian youth. 

In 2009 Nikita received her Cave Diving certification and had the opportunity to join a National Geographic Expedition exploring underwater caves in the Bahamas. She intends to focus research for her Masters degree on Bahamian blue holes.

Nikita’s photography is highlighted in ‘Islands of the Sun: a Tribute to the Northern Exuma Cays, Bahamas’-- a coffee table book of scientific art, published in October 2009.

Nikita’s passion for nature and the marine environment is contagious to all who know her. With a fierce commitment to the environmental education of Bahamian youth, remarkable photography skills, and dedication to service, Nikita Shiel-Rolle is determined to make a positive impact in The Bahamas.