What exactly do you do?
I work in the Whale Acoustics Lab at SIO. As an engineer, I help develop technology in the lab that is used to study acoustics. I also go out to sea for field work to deploy instruments and recover data. As a researcher, I'm interested in long-term acoustic monitoring of the Arctic Ocean along the North Slope of Alaska. This is currently one of the fastest changing environments on the planet, as a direct consequence of climate change. I'm concerned for the future of the Arctic ecosystem, especially the people and animals that depend on the health of sea ice. I will continue to analyze and use this data in any way possible to help understand the changes that are taking place.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
It's really cool how diverse and interdisciplinary oceanographic research can be. Our lab sees the importance in being part of the entire research process, from designing our own custom technology, to collecting data from all over the Pacific Ocean, to building the tools necessary for understanding our data. This helps us in posing better scientific questions and becoming more knowledgeable in how we carry out our research.
What do you enjoy the least about your job?
I can definitely appreciate technology, but I can also become very frustrated sitting in front of a computer screen after so many hours. Sometimes I wish I was doing oceanography 50 years ago when computer technology wasn't around yet.
What key events in your childhood most influenced your current career?
When I was a teenager, I would go to summer camp at the Catalina Island Marine Institute. Living on the island for a month, our daily activities would include scuba diving with a video camera, sailing hobbiecats, windsurfing, building a bevin skiff, learning marine biology and ecology, marlin spiking, kayaking, hiking, and practicing conservation. Since those days, I've never stopped being drawn to the ocean and having an affinity for water. I've learned that investing in our oceans is the same as investing in our future.
Do you have any fun/funny stories about lab experiences or adventures in the field?
Last year, I took part in the Polar Bear initiation for crossing the Arctic Circle aboard the icebreaker Healy. It involved almost three days of fun and excitement, where we went from being Blue Noses to becoming full-fledged Polar Bears. It was so much fun that I've been sworn to secrecy just in case one of you might one day have the chance to become Polar Bears. I can tell you though that the entire science party payed over $100 to the crew's morale fund so we could pie the chief scientist in the face.
Do you play any sports or have any favorite hobbies/special interests?
I always keep a few surfboards in my office and go out in the water whenever there's waves, which is sometimes everyday.
Do you have any advice for an aspiring high school student who might want to pursue your career?
You'll never know if you like something until you try it. Experience can be one of your best teachers, so I'd encourage anyone to go out into the world, try different jobs in different fields, and find whatever passion motivates you.
What contribution would you most like to make to science in the next 5 years?
I hope that my work in the Arctic will serve as a tool to help native Alaskans, wildlife biologists, policymakers, and the oil industry in working together to help ensure the sustainable survival of marine mammals by developing sound mitigation standards.
What is the approximate salary range for your profession?
It's enough to live comfortably. Oceanography is so rewarding in itself, that money is often the last thing on my mind.
