Can you describe your current role and what your typical day looks like?
As an ecological technician for the National Ecological Observatory Network, we are often deployed to our field sites located in Florida and Georgia. There, our tasks can vary from doing preventative or corrective maintenance on our field sensors to collecting field samples ourselves. All of the data we collect then gets sent off to our free, public database which encompasses data on everything including taxonomy, genetics, chemistry, population dynamics, and various other ecological research projects we have added by request from researchers across the nation. Over rivers, lakes, forests, or groundwater streams it is exciting to be outside and be a part of the scientific community that is actively working to monitor the intricate network of ecological dynamics of our beautiful biomes.
What is your educational background and experience, and how did it prepare you for this career?
After completing my bachelor’s of science in biology from the University of Tampa, I decided to focus on a career in field science. I was inspired by the volunteer research and field classes I had participated in during my college years. Some positions were more closely related to my background than others. But often, being employed was prioritized over the exact subject of work. To name a few highlights: I was an observer for commercial fishing operations in the Mid-Atlantic. I did an Americorps program as a land steward in Virginia. I worked in Public Water Compliance. I collected data for salmon population monitoring in the Pacific Northwest. I also participated in outreach and educational programs. I loved being able to work on so many amazing projects in various places.
However, I knew that I needed a more permanent position in order to stabilize myself and help support my family. In the time that followed these projects, there was a plethora of applications, interviews, and rejections until I was selected for my current position. And with that, all my previous experiences tied together in a nice little bow. My work in water quality gave me the lab and chemistry familiarity. The fire training I received years ago complemented our office’s collaborations in local prescribed burns. My several seasons of data collection acclimated me to field work in this harsh southern weather. And, thank goodness for the Marine Botany class that was required for my minor in college to help me learn about our local flora.
What is your proudest achievement in your career so far?
Holding strong to my career aspirations despite the obstacles I, my family, and many of my colleagues have faced over the years.
This year’s theme is “From Dreams to Reality: Dynamic Women in STEM.” Is this your dream career? If not, how do you plan to turn your dreams into reality?
I grew up watching nature shows and gawking at aquarium windows, which eventually led to 6-year-old me proclaiming that I was going to be a marine biologist. In the years that followed, I found myself following that career path in college and discovering my love for field science. Being able to identify myself as an aquatic ecologist now is certainly a dream come true. Though, is it the same as what I dreamed of all those years ago? Well, there are certainly one or two projects that I intend to convince our district to implement into our protocols (like fish surveys) and I still have a soft spot for marine ecosystems. But if I had the chance, I would excitedly go back in time and tell my younger self about our adventures in science. I think she would be proud of us.
How do you think your work impacts the broader community or the world?
Being a part of the field sampling squad means we get to be on the front lines of science, advancing the frontier of humanity’s understanding of environmental and biological topics. Every day I get to use technology that is equivalent to the high-tech sensors NASA sends into space and be a sort of an Indiana Jones that researches the environment. And it is through these adventures that I can spread society’s appreciation for and knowledge of our little blue world.
What are some strategies you use to maintain resilience and persistence in the face of obstacles?
I feel like in this field of work, a bit of stubbornness or determination will help you go far. Though I have certainly had periods of my career where I felt I was unaccomplished and unable to move any further. I may have eventually gotten out of those slumps on my own, but I can’t understate how much having even one person that believes in you and encourages you to keep going is worth. Keep your head up when you can, and don’t be afraid to look for support when you need it.
What are the emerging trends or technologies in your field that excite you?
I love learning about the engineering behind our research instruments and field methods. Technology is always improving, and it seems like our team is always receiving news of some improvement to our sensors that we are going to apply to our work. Developments in database management, communications, data entry, all make things easier for us to communicate with fellow company scientists across the country to transform our data into a pretty data graph for our end users.
What advice do you have for other women or nonbinary individuals considering this field?
The world has a way of making you feel small and shy in the face of conflict. You cannot learn unless you try, and you definitely cannot learn without making mistakes. And do not underestimate the value of sharing interest in your passions with others and getting involved in unpaid projects when you are able, even if it’s just for community events. It may take much longer than you expect, but despite not holding the quickest time to climb Mount Everest, it is still incredibly noteworthy to even reach the summit.