Sancta alumna Aliah Banchik (FR 2019) is one of the featured contestants on Netflix’s new reality competition series All the Sharks, which follows four teams of shark experts racing around the world to photograph underrepresented shark species.
Sancta alumna Aliah Banchik (FR 2019) is one of the featured contestants on Netflix’s new reality competition series All the Sharks, which follows four teams of shark experts racing around the world to photograph underrepresented shark species.
Aliah, now a marine scientist, underwater photographer, and conservation advocate, said the series was both a professional opportunity and a physical challenge.
“South Africa. Hands down,” she said of the toughest filming location. “I had to wear not one, not two, but three wetsuits – and I was still freezing. Add to that the strongest surge I’ve ever experienced and almost zero visibility, and it became the most physically demanding dive series of my life. It was beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but it tested me more than any other location we filmed in.”
Since leaving Sancta, Aliah has completed a Master’s in Marine Biology at James Cook University, co-founded the student-led conservation group The FINstitute, and now works at the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. She also runs Naked4Nature, an underwater photography, art and design-based ocean conservation group.
Through the Netflix series and her ongoing work, she hopes to change how people think about sharks.
“People often assume that sharks are out to eat humans, but in reality, we’re not on the menu. Fewer than 10 people die from shark bites globally each year. Meanwhile, humans kill an estimated 70 to 100 million sharks annually.
“So, to me, the biggest misconception is that sharks are the apex predators. In truth, we are. Sharks are vulnerable to overfishing, finning, and habitat loss, and they’re not nearly as scary as they’re made out to be. The real danger lies in how we treat the ocean, not the creatures in it.”
When asked what advice she’d give to current Sancta students wanting to pursue careers in marine biology or conservation, Aliah encourages them to think beyond traditional pathways and start where they are.
“If you’re passionate about sharks and rays, consider joining The FINstitute, my nonprofit dedicated to creating access to real-world shark conservation for emerging scientists.
“But here’s the bigger truth: don’t wait until you feel ‘qualified enough’ to start. I used to think I had to have the right degree or connections before I could get involved. But what actually opened doors for me was leading with the strengths I already had like photography and filmmaking.
“When I couldn’t get onto research expeditions through traditional routes, I offered to document a PhD student’s work instead. That pitch turned into a three-day field expedition where I learned everything I could and created something useful for her project.
“So, my advice? Lead with what makes you unique. Whether that’s art, writing, public speaking, coding. Whatever it is, use it. Offer value, collaborate generously, and trust that your passion will open doors in surprising ways.”
Looking ahead, Aliah plans to grow The FINstitute and take her education work further.
“I’m hoping to focus full-time on growing The FINstitute, where we take students and curious ocean lovers on shark science expeditions around the world. It’s not just about diving, it’s about giving people hands-on experience in the tools and techniques used to study sharks and conserve marine ecosystems.”
She’s also working on launching a YouTube series focused on environmental journalism and behind-the-scenes conservation work. She encourages all Sancta alumni to follow her on Instagram @aliah.in.waterland and subscribe to her YouTube channel to follow the series and her professional journey. One of her bucket list goals is Antarctica.
“I’m hoping to make it to the ice within the next three years to study penguins, explore glaciers, and (fingers crossed) do some ice diving.”
When asked to reflect on her time at Sancta, Aliah recalled a memorable surprise from College life in 2019.
“My favourite memory was the time the Sheldon Dining Hall was transformed into a full-blown Harry Potter experience. None of us knew it was coming, and suddenly we were walking into Hogwarts. It was pure magic. I’ll never forget how surreal and special that moment felt.”
