Describe your current job
As a current Ph.D. student at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, my main goal is to complete my dissertation, which is a body of innovative research that advances my field. This endeavor involves developing research questions, designing data collection methods and techniques, executing the project, performing analyses on the data, and writing up and defending my work. And, I am hoping that not only will I be making significant contributions to science, but also to society and management of natural ecosystems.
Other portions of my job include participating in additional research projects, furthering my educational development in classes and specific expertise training, participating at conferences, and developing my teaching skills.
What do you enjoy the most about your job?
My job gives me a lot of freedom to pursue what I think is important. I have had many opportunities to travel to places all over the world and dive. I love that my job is a constant exploration, discovering greater understanding and perspective of the natural world.
What do you enjoy the least about your job?
The least enjoyable parts of my job are some of the repetitive tasks, such as data entry. Although my job has a fair amount of time in the field, there is still a significant amount of computer time.
What key events in your childhood most influenced your current career?
When I was seven, I discovered a children’s book called Sea Creatures Do Amazing Things. After finishing a chapter about the weird world of sea cucumbers, I decided I would become a marine biologist. I thought the underwater world was (and still is!) mostly unknown and filled with unique creatures living together in peculiar ways, which would easily capture my imagination and attention for the rest of my life.
Do you have any funny stories about lab experiences or adventures in the field?
As I was sitting in a small boat off the island of Moorea, French Polynesia, I pondered what happens when you pull the engine start cord off the engine. I was speechless as I stood holding the end of our boat’s broken engine pull cord in my hand. My dive buddy and I discussed the merits of trying to start the engine with the broken pull cord. If we got the engine started, it could die in a potentially dangerous place, such as one that was too deep to anchor where we could be blown into rocks. We talked about trying to swim to shore and calling the research station. We decided it would be best to wait, and fortunately another boat of researchers shortly found us and went back for help.
Do you play any sports or have any favorite hobbies/special interests?
I love to surf, play soccer, and take photos. I also have recently become a yogi.
What contribution would you most like to make to science in the next five years?
As a marine ecologist studying coral reefs, I hope that my research not only will add to our understanding of the mechanisms of how a reef recovers but also lead to some simple policies that will help managers make reefs more resilient.
Do you have any advice for an aspiring high school student who might want to pursue your career?
I would like to pass on advice given to me by my role model, oceanographer Sylvia Earle, when I was in high school. She told me to “get wet whenever possible.”
What is the approximate salary range for your profession?
$20,000 - $30,000 / year
