Building a Career in Shark Science (Part 2!) Featuring the Guests of Seasons 5 and 6

SHOWNOTES

We start at the very beginning, with how to get moving in scientific research [4.40]. Shark vertebrae and biomechanics expert Jamie Knaub advises figuring out a question or area that you’re interested in, then riding that wave of curiosity to see where it takes you. Science is amazing, and should be fun! Following your natural curiosities can lead you unexpected places, and bring you into contact with like-minded people who will help advance your interests further.

Someone who shares that same sentiment is Dr Erin Dillon [7.54]. Erin is currently a research fellow at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, where she has the utterly wonderful job title of time-travelling shark sleuth! In a very basic sense, Erin looks at fossilised shark skin to try and understand prehistoric shark communities, information that can be used to guide modern-day management and conservation. Erin’s advice is similar to Jamie’s in that she encourages following your natural curiosities, but also talks about being persistent, and understanding that there are lots of different ways to get into shark research. “We all bring different skill sets and perspectives to the table, so it’s worth reflecting on what interests you, what propels you forwards and what you’re good at, and leaning into those things.” She says.

Alessia Lavigne’s advice elaborates on that last point [9.30]. Alessia came on our podcast to chat about her research into the reproductive failure of turtles and tortoises, and she offered a really interesting perspective about translating research from other fields to marine science. Even if you’re in a seemingly unrelated field, you will be building skills and techniques that are applicable to the marine environment – in fact, thinking outside the box and integrating ideas from other disciplines will greatly benefit marine science and conservation. “You can always bring the marine world to you.”

You can totally carve your own path, and bring your own unique set of skills and interests to the marine world. But it’s not always easy, and sometimes it can feel like you can’t catch a break. This is something that our next guest, Dr Haley Dolton, talks about [11.30]. Hayley studies the biology and ecology of large fishes and previously specialised in the largest shark in the world, the basking shark. But she had to try a few avenues to get there. “I’ve had so many knockbacks…so many things have gone wrong, or I didn’t get the job or position I wanted.” She explains. But Haley pushed through, and now values the connections she formed during difficult times. “I believe I got to where I have done by building real, meaningful connections along the way.”

The advice of Dr Andrew Chin is in a similar vein [12.50]. Andrew came on our podcast to talk about his work as a shark and fisheries scientist, and he has over 20 years of experience in marine research and management. But although he always wanted to work with sharks, it took him almost a decade to get there. In the meantime, Andrew gained experience in a number of sectors – the marine tourism industry, education, and finally within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. He believes this diverse career history gave him a significant advantage, especially in gaining ‘people skills’ that he utilises in his work today.

So, you’ve developed your interests, honed your unique skillset….now what? A good next step is to start reaching out to potential supervisors, counsellors or collaborators – but sending that initial email can be a wee bit terrifying. But taking that chance can ultimately be valuable. Paleobiologist Dr Jack Cooper featured on our Megalodon episode, and he talks in that episode about how prehistoric sharks always captured his imagination. But he wouldn’t have gotten to where he is now without having the courage to reach out to another paleobiologist during his undergraduate degree. This led to an opportunity to work in Gansbaai with white sharks, which then gave Jack the confidence to approach his future PhD supervisor, Catalina Pimiento, and express his interest in working with prehistoric sharks. His story has a happy ending – he just successfully defended his PhD thesis! “People are absolutely delighted to talk about their work, and they absolutely love having passionate people reach out who want to work with them.  So if you’re a bit nervous about reaching out to someone…just do it!”

And someone else who found success by just sending an email – or rather multiple emails – is explorer, underwater photographer and co-principal investigator of shark ecology and conservation for the Charles Darwin Foundation, Dr Pelayo Salinas [22.30]. Pelayo had been captivated by the Galapagos and sharks since childhood. At first, he found the academic system challenging, but finally found the right university and flourished, particularly in field biology. His undergraduate degree turned into masters, and eventually a PhD – and all the while, he was emailing the Charles Darwin Foundation looking for an opening. And eventually, the right opportunity presented itself…he has now worked with the foundation for several years.

We’ve talked about reaching out to people you want to work with, but what about when it comes to applying for funding? For this, we go back to Andrew, who is also scientific advisor for the Save Our Seas Foundation [25.40]. Andrew has not only applied for grants himself, but also reviews hundreds of applications a year. He advises to follow the funder’s guidelines closely, and to frame the problem you are addressing, and how you are addressing it, clearly and concisely. He also emphasises the need to be realistic with your budget, and what you can achieve in the time offered. (If you would like more information on applying for funding specifically, check out our full episode on tips and tricks for getting your project funded!)

Additionally, Andrew talks about collaborating with the right people, and showing that in your application – and this is something that Eva Meyers, co-founder and co-lead of the Angel Shark Project, knows all about [30.10]. “I’ve learnt the power of collaboration. Having so many people working towards one goal, trusting each other.” This has been essential to the project’s success, as has being willing to try things that haven’t been done before. “We’ve been very open to adapting, and thinking outside the box….and that only happens if you have people from everywhere, and you have trust in these people.”

As well as forming strong collaborations with other people, research and conservation also requires a lot of self determination and the ability to work independently. The realities of working in shark science, specifically with live animals, is something that Dr Lucille Chapuis talked about when she came on the podcast to discuss her own research into shark hearing systems [32.00]. She discusses how amazing the field can be, but also the real hard graft that goes into the job. “You have to be prepared to work hard and develop a strong work ethic.” She advises.

Finally, we end our careers episode with clips from two people who not only have experience in research and conservation, but who have also moved into science communication. First up is Jake Davies, who featured on our Angel Sharks episode [33.50]. Jake not only the project coordinator for the Angel Shark Project in Wales, but is also an accomplished underwater videographer and photographer. Jake speaks of how his time as a scuba diver taught him to observe marine life, and inspired him to create imagery that he could show friends and family back at the surface. The excitement and interest he witnessed spurred him to hone his skills in underwater videography, something that his background in marine biology helped with greatly.

And another way to bring the marine world to the surface is through journalism and scientific writing. And to talk about how to start out as a writer, we have Dr Helen Scales, marine biologist, broadcaster and author [37.30]. Helen came on the podcast to discuss her new book, What the Wild Sea Can Be, and we had a great chat about the incredible marine life you can find all over the world. But she also had some brilliant guidance for anyone who is thinking about writing their first sci comm article, or even their first book. Helen’s first piece of advice was to learn by doing, not only writing as much as possible to practice, but also reading the work of others to get inspiration and hone your own unique style. Her second is to move away from what you know, and find a subject that captivates you to the extent that you can’t wait to tell people about it. “You’re learning with your readers.” Says Helen. “You’re reading it, and trying to figure it out…so you’ve had to understand that story, and you will tell it in a way that other people will understand. And hopefully it’ll also capture that fascination that you have.”

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND INFORMATION

Save Our Seas Foundation grants: https://saveourseas.com/grants/funding-applications/small-grants/

Save Our Seas Foundation D’Arros Research Center: https://saveourseas.com/sosf-darros-research-centre/

Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Research Center: https://saveourseas.com/sosf-shark-research-center/

Shark Conservation Fund small grants: https://www.sharkconservationfund.org/small-grants/

Bimini field station: https://www.biminisharklab.com/

Field School, directed by Dr Catherine Macdonald: https://www.getintothefield.com/

Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS): https://www.misselasmo.org/

Black in Marine Science: https://www.blackinmarinescience.org/

Latinx in STEM: https://latinxinstem.education/

Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s Gills Club: https://www.gillsclub.org/

Women in Ocean Science: https://www.womeninoceanscience.com/

Sharks4Kids: https://www.sharks4kids.com/

Marine Social Sciences Network: https://www.marsocsci.net/