25 Marine Biologist
What is it Like Being a Marine Biologist
On this episode of the Unboxing Careers Podcast, Greg Zakowicz unboxes the career of a marine biologist with Sara Stevens.
Guest: Sara Stevens is a marine biologist and director of animal collections at Butterfly Pavilion, where she previously served as an aquarist and aquatics manager. Sara is the project lead on several research and conservation programs and a steering committee member with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Aquatic Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group.
Connect with Sara:
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Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to be a marine biologist? On this episode, Greg sits down with Sara Stevens, a marine biologist and director of animal collections at Butterfly Pavilion, where she discusses her journey into marine biology, and the diverse career paths available in the field. Sara shares insights into her daily responsibilities, the challenges of working in marine biology, and the rewarding aspects of her job, particularly in coral conservation. The conversation also touches on common misconceptions about the field and offers advice for aspiring marine biologists.
What we discuss:
Sara's Journey to Marine Biology
Diverse Career Paths in Marine Biology
The Competitive Nature of Marine Biology
A Day in the Life of a Marine Biologist
Research and Conservation Efforts
Challenges and Rewards in Marine Biology
Misconceptions About Marine Biology
Advice for Aspiring Marine Biologists
Reflections on the Marine Biology Career
The Importance of Compassion in Marine Biology
How Sara Became Interested in Marine Biology
Sara’s love for marine life started at home with her father’s fish tanks and scuba diving hobby. But it wasn’t until she dove in Hawaii at age 15 that she shifted her aspirations from becoming a veterinarian to a marine biologist. That transformative experience set her on the path to protect marine ecosystems.
Early exposure to aquatic environments can ignite a lifelong passion for marine biology.
Transformative experiences, like Sara’s dive in Hawaii, can completely reshape career goals.
Supportive family and mentors are invaluable in pursuing unique career paths.
The Diverse Career Opportunities in Marine Biology
Marine biology is far from a one-size-fits-all field. Sara’s education at Millersville University and her hands-on fieldwork at Chesapeake Bay Field Station exposed her to a variety of niches, from ichthyology to invertebrate research.
Marine biology offers career paths in research, conservation, education, and beyond.
Field experiences help narrow down specific interests within the vast marine biology landscape.
Exploring diverse roles, such as long-lining for sharks or profiling coastal dunes, helps build a well-rounded skill set.
Why Marine Invertebrates?
While dolphins and sharks grab the spotlight, Sara’s passion lies with invertebrates like corals and nautiluses. These often-overlooked creatures are vital to ocean ecosystems and offer endless opportunities for discovery.
Marine invertebrates are incredibly diverse and crucial for healthy ecosystems.
Educating the public about invertebrates fosters greater appreciation and conservation efforts.
Creatures like corals are not just beautiful but vital for oceanic health.
The Realities of a Career in Marine Biology
Marine biology may seem glamorous, but Sara is quick to point out that it’s not without challenges. Entry-level roles often require juggling internships, part-time jobs, and less glamorous tasks to gain experience.
Many marine biologists start with unpaid or low-paying internships.
Practical experiences, like cleaning fish tanks or assisting in research labs, are invaluable.
The field demands a mix of resilience, adaptability, and dedication.
The Most Rewarding and Challenging Aspects of Marine Biology
For Sara, one of the highlights of her career has been working on coral conservation projects, particularly addressing stony coral tissue loss disease. However, the emotional toll of conservation work and the occasional setbacks can be tough.
Seeing tangible results from conservation efforts is incredibly fulfilling.
The emotional highs and lows of working with endangered species are part of the job.
Balancing optimism and realism is key to staying motivated in this field.
Advice for Aspiring Marine Biologists
Whether you’re in high school, college, or simply considering a career shift, Sara has some practical advice for diving into marine biology.
Set up a small aquarium to learn the basics of aquatic ecosystems and animal care.
Seek out internships, even unpaid ones, to gain hands-on experience and build connections.
Volunteer at educational centers or zoos to get exposure to the field.
Research universities with strong marine biology programs and connect with professors.
Overcoming Barriers in the Field
Marine biology can be an economically challenging field to enter, with many early roles offering modest pay. Sara’s journey highlights the importance of balancing passion with practicality.
Paid internships are becoming more common, but financial barriers remain.
Many aspiring marine biologists juggle multiple jobs to stay in the field.
Networking and gaining diverse experiences can help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Final Thoughts on Sara’s Career in Marine Biology
For Sara, the nautilus—a deep-sea cephalopod with a spiraled shell—represents the mystery and wonder of marine biology. Its unique traits and evolutionary history remind us of how much there is still to discover.
Marine biology offers endless opportunities for discovery and making an impact.
Staying curious and compassionate are essential traits for success.
Embracing the challenges of the field leads to a deeply rewarding career.
Takeaways For Those Interested in a Career in Marine Biology
Marine biology is a diverse field with many career paths.
Internships and practical experience are crucial for success.
Compassion and attention to detail are essential traits for marine biologists.
The field can be competitive, especially for charismatic animals.
Daily responsibilities can include a mix of animal care and management.
Research and conservation efforts are vital components of marine biology.
Misconceptions about the field often overlook the hard work involved.
Networking and building connections can open doors in the industry.
Resilience is necessary to cope with the emotional challenges of the job.
Engaging with the community and educating others is a rewarding aspect of the career.
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