Art of Science: Deep Dive with ‘OctoGirl’

About a decade ago Chelsea Bennice was on a night dive researching nocturnal marine life when she spotted an octopus with arms stretched out like a parachute.

“I was in awe of this animal's extraordinary color patterns (an octopus with a teal hue) and its seemingly effortless movements across the reef,” said Bennice, Ph.D., postdoctoral fellow at FAU’s Marine Laboratory, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

That moment marked the start of a deeper dive into Bennice’s dedication to studying the animal, one of the ocean’s most intelligent and adaptable creatures.

“Observing these animals in their natural environment sparks curiosity and an endless number of scientific questions,” said Bennice, known as OctoGirl online.

Her most recent research shows how octopuses use their eight arms to interact with the world. In a study analyzing roughly 4,000 arm movements, Bennice gained international attention for her discovery of subtle behavioral patterns that could shed light on the evolution of motor control and decentralized nervous systems.

In addition to her research, Bennice said she tries to educate the world by bringing marine science to life through underwater photographs and videos.

One of her photographs, titled Selfie … Cephie, recently won first place in FAU’s annual Art of Science photography contest. The image captures a rare underwater encounter where the octopus (also known as cephalopod) reaches for the camera to seemingly take a selfie.

“Photography is more than documentation,” Bennice said. “A picture can communicate science in ways words can’t. It allows people to connect emotionally with what we study.”

From identifying species to inspiring conservation, Bennice uses underwater imagery to tell stories that make science accessible. Her advice to young researchers: balance data collection with creative communication. “Images can transform how people perceive your work,” she said.

Beyond research, Bennice is an active science communicator dedicated to marine conservation. Octopuses, she said, are powerful ambassadors for ocean health. Their presence often reflects the condition of ecosystems like reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds.

“Habitat degradation is one of the greatest threats,” she said. “Octopuses are adaptable, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Protecting their environments protects the broader marine community.”

Through fieldwork, art and education, Bennice said she aims to educate the world about the hidden lives of octopuses one dive, one image and one story at a time.

“The ocean is full of stories waiting to be told,” Bennice said. “Art lets us translate those stories in ways science alone cannot – becoming powerful because people can feel it. If a single photo can make some pause and wonder about the life of an octopus – seeing them as animals worth protecting – then I have done my job as a researcher and storyteller.”