Why Curiosity Beats Perfection in Science — Lessons from the Deep with Marley Parker

What happens when you're told you'll never succeed in science because of an ADHD-type learning disorder? In this episode of Blue Collar | White Coat, Amy talks with Marley Parker, an underwater photographer and freelance science communicator who proves there's more than one way to belong in STEM. From documenting deep-sea expeditions to navigating freelance life with dyscalculia, Marley's story is about resilience, creativity, and building a science career on your own terms.

Diagnosed early on with a math-related learning disorder, Marley was told she wasn't cut out for science. Instead, she built a career around it—telling the stories of oceanographers and researchers on the front lines of discovery. She shares how she turned setbacks into strengths, what it's really like to work at sea, and why adaptability and curiosity matter more than credentials.

Links:

ML Parker Media

Marley Parker - Nautilus Live

 

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How Marley turned dyscalculia into a creative strength

• The realities of underwater photography and expedition storytelling

• Tips for managing freelance work with ADHD

• What deep-sea research teaches about teamwork and trust

• How resilience and curiosity open doors in STEM

🎧 Blue Collar | White Coat reveals the human stories behind science—showing that discovery depends on the hands and hearts of real people.

Keywords: ADHD, dyscalculia, neurodiversity in STEM, women in science, science communication, underwater photographer, marine biology, freelance science communicator, Nautilus Live, ocean exploration, STEM careers, storytelling in science, creative careers in STEM