Meet the Drift Academy Faculty

Shana-Jane Gooden is the Founder and Creative Director of Drift Academy & Media CIC, where she leads the Academy’s vision, innovation strategy, and creative development. Her work spans future-skills education, immersive learning, digital creativity, and entrepreneurship — building pathways that prepare learners for the world’s fastest-growing industries.

A multidisciplinary creator and strategist, Shana-Jane has developed Drift Academy from concept to curriculum, designing a new model of inclusive, future-focused training. Her leadership brings together technology, storytelling, digital influence, AI, and real-world industry insight to empower both young learners and adult professionals.

Shana-Jane is currently developing The Global Leadership Programme and AI Side-Hustle Accelerator, two flagship online courses designed to help learners build confidence, income, and creativity using emerging technologies.

At Drift Academy, she oversees:

Creative direction & experience design
Innovation, partnerships & growth strategy
Curriculum development across all age groups
Global talent pathways through Drift Escapes & future digital studios

Shana-Jane’s mission is clear: to inspire the next generation of creators, leaders, and innovators — locally and globally — through powerful, accessible, future-ready education.

Katherine Hill is a versatile educator at Drift Academy, specialising in AI literacy, coding, employability, digital futures, heritage studies, and marine/yacht operations. With experience across Job Centres, community learning, youth programmes, and maritime environments, she brings a practical, learner-centred approach to every course.

At Drift, she teaches AI and digital identity, coding essentials, crypto literacy, workplace readiness, cultural heritage, and contributes to the development of Drift’s upcoming Yacht & Marine Skills Programme.

Katherine empowers learners with future-ready skills, confidence, and clear direction in modern digital and global industries.

Oscar Prado Merini is a Marine Biologist and Oceanographer specialising in offshore conservation, ecosystem monitoring, and ocean-tech applications. With international experience across environmental assessments, PAM/MMO operations, biodiversity protection, and marine ecology, Oscar brings world-class scientific expertise into Drift Academy.

At Drift, he leads Marine Science, Offshore Innovation, and Blue-Economy Training, helping learners understand marine ecosystems, offshore operations, conservation careers, and the future of ocean technology. Known for his precision, curiosity, and collaborative teaching style, Oscar bridges academic science with real-world marine practice — preparing students for emerging global blue-economy opportunities.

 

Dr Fiona Watson leads Drift Academy’s marine, climate, and environmental programmes. She holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and Zoology and brings a strong interdisciplinary approach to marine science, ecology, and environmental innovation.

With extensive experience across ecosystems, conservation, and sustainability research, Fiona specialises in translating complex scientific and data-driven concepts into accessible, engaging learning for all ages.

At Drift Academy, she bridges science, data, and creativity — guiding learners through marine ecology, environmental impact, biodiversity, and future-focused sustainability pathways aligned with global environmental priorities.

Zoe Stirling brings a powerful blend of environmental science, cultural heritage, and community engagement to Drift Academy. She teaches climate awareness, sustainability practice, and heritage storytelling — helping learners understand how culture, environment, and innovation connect.

Her work ensures Drift Academy’s programmes are rooted in real-world impact, responsibility, and future readiness.

Ria Jackson is an experienced educator at Drift Academy, delivering engineering, AI, and neurodiversity-informed skills programmes.

With a background as a former British Army engineer, Ria brings precision, resilience, and practical problem-solving to her teaching. She specialises in AI fundamentals, applied engineering skills, and inclusive learning approaches that support neurodiverse learners.

At Drift Academy, Ria supports learners to build confidence, technical capability, and real-world readiness for modern engineering and digital careers.

George is a creative technologist with expertise in immersive media, narrative design, and digital storytelling. With a background in producing interactive experiences and visual content, he teaches learners how to communicate powerful stories across modern media platforms.

At Drift Academy, George leads the development of VR/AR storytelling, cinematic structure, and immersive content creation — helping students bring ideas to life using the tools of the future.

Kelly is a highly skilled beauty technician with a specialty in digital beauty, modern aesthetics, and creator-ready content techniques. Her professional background spans hands-on beauty work, online content creation, and practical training.

At Drift Academy, Kelly leads the Digital Beauty programme, teaching learners how to merge beauty skills with technology — including lighting, filming, product presentation, digital safety, and micro-brand building. Her sessions blend creativity, industry standards, and the confidence to show up authentically online.

Lawrence is a film, production, and visual media specialist with strong experience across directing, editing, and creative studio workflows. He has worked with a range of production environments, from community film projects to professional digital campaigns.

At Drift Academy, Lawrence leads the film and production pathway, teaching learners camera fundamentals, visual storytelling, editing techniques, and how to operate within real production environments. His focus is on confidence, technical skill, and preparing learners for careers in modern media.