Describe your current job
As Research Director for the Wild Dolphin Project, I design and implement all aspects of our research program. The goals are to track, monitor, and observe free-ranging dolphins and their natural behavior and communication system. The specific tasks involved include 1) design and organize the field work, including the boat schedule, crew, and students on board; 2) oversee the collection of data in the field, both in water and processing on board; 3) oversee the processing and analysis of data in the lab, including photo-identification, video analysis, and sound analysis; and 4) insure the scientific publication of the above work, including scientific journals and conferences. In addition, I oversee some of the administration, including budgetary and organizational issues.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Observing the real thing, the dolphins, in the wild and then making scientific sense of their behavior.
What do you enjoy the least about your job?
Dealing with administration issues, including people management and office details.
What key events in your childhood most influenced your current career?
Probably interacting with animals in general and being in nature to create a sense of wonderment.
Do you have any funny stories about lab experiences or adventures in the field?
Many.
Do you play any sports or have any favorite hobbies/special interests?
I swim, windsurf, and bicycle. I like to sing, play music, and paint. I also read for pleasure as well as work.
What contribution would you most like to make to science in the next five years?
To crack the code of dolphin communication!
Do you have any advice for an aspiring high school student who might want to pursue your career?
Go for it. Although many will direct you to specifically marketable careers, I think passion and devotion rate as high as skill and diversity. Although you do need a solid background, hard work, and skills, my motto is “There is always room for excellence.” This is especially true in the marine sciences because there are so many things we do not know about the ocean and its creatures and so many new and original ways to potentially discover these.
What is the approximate salary range for your profession?
$50,000 - $65,000 / year
