MEDIA
Film production, authored articles and selected media works on Alex’s research
Alex has worked on a range of terrestrial and aquatic species ranging from elephants to octopuses. She has expertise in marine biology, animal behaviour, animal intelligence, and conservation. Her passion for working to create animal behaviour content for target audiences spans wildlife documentaries, podcasts, and articles in popular science magazines. A selection of this media content is listed below.
Film production
Secrets of the Octopus
National Geographic (for Disney+)
Role: Lead Storyteller / Producer
Secrets of the Octopus is presented by wildlife scientist Dr. Alexandra Schnell. It is executive produced by Emmy Award-winners James Cameron and Maria Wilhelm for Earthship, two-time Emmy Award nominee Colette Beaudry and Emmy Award Honoree Adam Geiger for SeaLight Pictures.
Our Oceans
WildSpace Productions (for Netflix)
Role: Specialist Researcher
Oceans are the beating heart of our planet yet so much remains unknown, unexplored and undiscovered. From the tropical warm waters of the Indian Ocean to the fiery depths of the Atlantic and the freezing isolation of the Arctic. ‘Our Oceans’ explores the magical world of wonders that lies beneath the waves.
Mammals
BBC Natural History Unit
Role: Specialist Series Researcher
David Attenborough's comprehensive study of how a remarkable group of animals evolved – a group that includes ourselves. Found in every ocean and on every continent, this documentary reveals the world of mammals and the secrets of their success.
Planet Earth III
BBC Natural History Unit
Role: Specialist Series Researcher
Discover amazing landscapes, the most amazing fights of animals on our planet, from the highest mountains to the deepest oceans, from the darkest caves to the hottest deserts with new technology.
Blue Planet II
BBC Natural History Unit
Role: Scientific Consultant
David Attenborough returns to the world's oceans in this sequel to the acclaimed documentary filming rare and unusual creatures of the deep, as well as documenting the problems our oceans face.
Animal
Plimsoll Productions (for Netflix)
Role: Scientific Consultant
Animal takes you on an emotional, immersive, and revelatory ride into some of the greatest wildernesses on Earth. This series follows the world’s most magnificent creatures, capturing never-before-seen moments from the heart-warming to the outrageous.
Published articles
Invited Article, The Conversation, by Brown H, Schnell AK & Birch J.
Octopus farms raise huge animal welfare concerns – and they’re unsustainable too
Invited Article, The Conversation, by Schnell AK, Crump A & Birch J.
Octopus, crabs, and lobsters feel pain – this is how we found out
Invited Article, New Scientist, by Schnell AK & Clayton NS.
Spineless Legislation
Invited Article, The Conversation, by Schnell AK.
Sleeping octopuses might experience fleeting dreams – new study
Invited Article, The Conversation, by Schnell AK.
Clever cuttlefish show advanced self-control, like chimps & crows
Invited Commentary, The Psychologist by Schnell AK.
Curiosity & the Cephalopods
Press & media
Can this cuttlefish pass an intelligence test designed for children?
NOVA / PBS
Eurasian jays shun reward for tastier delayed treat, study finds
The Guardian, by Nicola Davis
Cuttlefish break the rules of aging
The Atlantic, by Katherine J. Wu
Cuttlefish remember details of their last meal, study finds
The Guardian, by Natalie Grover
Did a cuttlefish write this?
The New York Times, by Veronique Greenwood
Alex Schnell: Do cuttlefish ponder?
Science Clear and Vivid Podcast, hosted by Alan Alda
Why cuttlefish are smarter than we thought
National Public Radio, Chicago – hosted by Lulu Garcia-Navarro
Cuttlefish delay gratification, a sign of smarts
The Scientist, by Asher Jones
Cuttlefish can pass the famed ‘marshmallow test,’ study finds
Forbes, by Sara Tabin
Clever cuttlefish have passed the marshmallow test
Hakai Magazine, by Sarah Keartes
Cuttlefish have the ability to exert self-control, study finds
The Guardian, by Natalie Grover
The savvy cephalopod
Many Minds Podcast, hosted by Kensy Cooperrider
Do animals have consciousness
BBC World Service CrowdScience Podcast, produced by Cathy Edwards
Cuttlefish Brawl: Graphic Novella
Hakai Magazine,by Shanna Baker