When I enrolled at SFS, I told my advisor that I was interested in Marine Biology. It was suggested that marine biology may not be a good field to specialize in at that school, and that it was hard to make it a career. The program I was in required a field experience and offered one in the Adirondack Mountains. I researched the SFS TCI program and decided I had seen the Adirondacks, but I had never been to the Caribbean.
Reflecting back on your time in the program, what did you gain from your SFS experience?
I met professionals in the field who were excited about what they did and making a living at it. It made me question the advice I had been given as an undergraduate and helped make the decision to pursue marine ecology in graduate school.
What is your most profound or lasting memory from your SFS program?
While diving a location called the Grotto, we were following the wall when approximately 23 eagle rays glided up from the depths, banked towards us, and then slowly glided away. The next day, on the same wall, 13 rays came single file down the wall and had to slightly deviate their course to go around me within 5 meters. Not a bad image for someone who learned to dive in upstate New York lakes.
What advice would you give to a prospective SFS student?
Take advantage of the opportunities while in the program. Take any extra field time, attend seminars, talk to the instructors. Many people will want to take advantage of an exotic location to party, but the experiences available are only there for a limited time.
What do you do for work?
I am a Senior Research Scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Marine Sciences Lab. Specifically, I am a marine ecologist that specializes in community interactions and changes to perturbations. Much of my professional work has been basic science with applications to the understanding and management of economically and ecologically important species.
What does that actually entail on a daily basis?
My current job is somewhat different than previous jobs in academics and at NOAA in that the work is largely driven by clients and very specific projects. I am part of a talented multidisciplinary group and we approach projects from a team perspective, drawing on the strengths of various members to produce a product that is better than any one of us could put out. Therefore my day to day duties vary tremendously. Some of the projects I have worked on here at PNNL include eelgrass quantification/replanting/monitoring, effects of dredging on benthic invertebrates, hyporheic gas saturation in the Columbia River, and prioritization of coastal zones for restoration.
Did your SFS experience contribute to where you ended up?
Yes, in that it helped me decide pursue marine science instead of terrestrial ecology. It also provided experience in new ecosystem for me, and diversification is a good thing in the field.
How did you go about choosing a program for your graduate degree?
When I was looking to do a masters degree, I just applied to programs with a strong marine component and hoped they had a professor that wanted me and financial aid. Later, while looking into programs for my Ph.D., I was more selective because I had a better idea of what I wanted to do. Therefore I specifically looked for professors with similar interests in good programs and luckily found a program that met the needs I had at the time.
Is it “who you know” or “what you know” in your field?
Unfortunately it is both. You definitely have to know your stuff if you are going to have any staying power in the field. However, it is often easier to convince people of your abilities if they have witnessed them or are hearing about them from someone they know or respect. Also, there are traits that I find are important in field research that can not really be conveyed in a CV – determination, affability, intuition for the science, adaptability. These things may be brought out in a letter of recommendation, but people tend to trust people they know more than a stranger when reading these letters.
What are the two most essential skills that got you to your position?
I think the ability to diversify was one reason I landed my current job. I have worked in a number of different habitats, in a number of locals, and on a number of different taxa. That flexibility helps me with the different projects we get here and allows me to make a contribution to the team effort even if something in not exactly my “specialty”. Another skill I think is very important for any scientist is the ability to explain the science to a variety of interest groups. Anyone can pick up the jargon of their field, but other biologists are not going to be making laws, management regulations, and business decisions. I have had to explain scientific research and theories to harvesters, managers, politicians, educators, students, community groups, and colleagues. These people can all be smart and understand even complex ecological concepts, but they may not know the background or fancy terms.
What advice do you have for other SFS alumni looking to get into your field? What do you wish someone had told you?
Keep your eyes open for opportunities and seek out people whose work follows your interests. You never know when an internship, volunteer weekend, or well directed phone call will turn into an opportunity that will change your life. Do not be afraid to pursue these opportunities, because you can learn from them all even if they do not lead immediately to your dream job.
New Feature for SFS Alumni Only – email your career advice questions to John at alumni-profiles@fieldstudies.org. (Please include your name, SFS program, semester and year in your email correspondence.)
The SFS experience doesn't end when you return from your Center – use the alumni network to further your career!