Navigating Marine Science Careers: Building Your Resume Beyond Courses and Internships
Release Date: 08/30/2024
Half of Murres seabird population dies after this happened
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Luan discusses the significant decline in the population of common murres, a seabird species in Alaska, which has seen about half of its population die off—approximately 4 million individuals—since the marine heat wave known as "the blob" occurred from 2014 to 2016. The primary reason for this drastic decline is linked to the effects of the heat wave on the marine food web rather than direct thermal stress on the birds themselves. The heat wave caused shifts in the availability of food sources, leading to starvation among...
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Mind Your Plastic Pollution: A Conversation On Changing Behaviors
How To Protect The Ocean
Mind your plastic pollution is a conversation that we all need to have because we all partake in using single-use plastic as the system is set up that way. In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin engages in a conversation with Natasha Tucker, the Executive Director of Mind Your Plastic, a Canadian charity focused on eliminating plastic pollution. The discussion centers around the pervasive issue of plastic in our environment, emphasizing the need for behavioral change among individuals and businesses to reduce our dependence on plastics. Key points from...
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Plastic Pollution Clean Up Through Absorption
How To Protect The Ocean
Plastic pollution clean up through absorption is now a possibility by using a combination of cotton and chittin to take microplastics out of the ocean...but can this work at scale? In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lo discusses the pressing issue of microplastics in the ocean and introduces a promising new method for their absorption using a combination of cotton and chitin. The mechanism involves creating a sponge-like substance called CT cell biomass, which combines cellulose from cotton and chitin from squid. This innovative material is designed to...
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Climate Action When Governments Won't Help
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of climate change and the challenges posed by government inaction. With the recent political shifts in North America, particularly the incoming administration in the United States, there are concerns about the rollback of environmental regulations and policies that protect the ocean and climate. Key points include: Government Inaction: The episode highlights the potential consequences of a new U.S. administration that may prioritize economic interests over environmental protection,...
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Orcas Playing with Their Food: Wearing Salmon on Their Head
How To Protect The Ocean
Orcas playing with their food is not a new behavior; however, wearing salmon on their heads is not usual. In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses a fascinating phenomenon involving orcas wearing salmon as hats. A recent photograph captured an orca in Puget Sound sporting a salmon on its head, reminiscent of similar behaviors observed in the 1980s when orcas from the southern resident population also donned salmon hats. Lewin explores the potential reasons behind this behavior, suggesting it could be a playful act, a celebration of a successful...
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Leave the seashells on the Seashore
How To Protect The Ocean
Seashells on the seashore are being taken in large quantities and it's increasing erosion along beaches. A new study reveals the tourism industry is taking too many seashells along coastlines in Costa Rica. In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the environmental impact of taking seashells from coastal areas, particularly in Costa Rica. He highlights a growing crisis where the removal of seashells, driven by tourism, destabilizes beaches, accelerates erosion, and harms marine ecosystems. Seashells are essential for various marine species,...
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Abandoned Fish Farms in Greece: Ghost Farm Clean Up by Healthy Seas
How To Protect The Ocean
Abandoned fish farms in Greece are plaguing the coastline with marine debris; however, Healthy Seas is working to clean up some of the sites and raise awareness for support to tell the Greek government that fish farm owners should be responsible for cleaning up their sites once the business is done operating. In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the pressing issue of ghost farms—abandoned fish farms that are polluting oceans, particularly in Greece. The episode highlights the work of the organization Healthy Seas, which is actively...
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Solar Panel Efficiency Improvements Mimicking Giant Clam Algae
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the "How to Protect the Ocean" podcast, host Andrew Luan discusses the fascinating connection between giant clams and the efficiency of solar panels. He highlights the vibrant colors of giant clams, which are not only visually stunning but also play a crucial role in coral reef ecosystems, particularly in the Southeast Pacific. The key focus is on the algae, specifically zooxanthellae, that live within the soft tissue of giant clams. These algae absorb sunlight and are essential for the clams' survival, as they facilitate photosynthesis and contribute to the clam's calcium...
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Orcas vs. Whale Sharks: A New Apex Predator Dynamic
How To Protect The Ocean
In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the fascinating behavior of orcas, particularly their recent predation on whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. Orcas, known as apex predators, have been observed hunting whale sharks in the Gulf of California. This behavior was documented in a new study published in the journal Frontiers of Marine Science, which includes video footage and images of the attacks. The orcas target the whale sharks by striking their underbelly and grabbing their pectoral fins, aiming for the nutrient-rich liver,...
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Buy Now The Shopping Conspiracy: A Marine Biologist Reviews
How To Protect The Ocean
Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy is a documentary that was released on Netflix a week before Black Friday. The movie reveals the shocking truth about how large corporations manipulate consumers to increase their profits at the peril of the consumer's wallet and the planet's health. In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, host Andrew Lewin discusses the recently released Netflix documentary, Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy. The episode focuses on the themes of consumerism, overconsumption, and their environmental impacts, especially in the context of the holiday shopping...
info_outlineIn this episode, the host shares insights on preparing for a career in wildlife biology, drawing from personal experiences and discussions with his daughter. He also mentions feedback received from listeners and a suggestion from a colleague about enhancing resumes with additional experiences beyond courses and internships.
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Building a Strong Resume and Network in Marine Science and Conservation
Engaging in extracurricular activities and joining societies can significantly boost your resume and expand your network within the marine science and conservation sector. As discussed in the podcast episode, these activities go beyond traditional coursework and internships, showcasing your dedication and passion for the field.
1. Enhancing Your Resume:
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Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in activities like volunteering, serving on a non-profit organization's board of directors, or taking on leadership roles demonstrates your commitment to marine conservation beyond academic requirements.
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Networking Opportunities: Being part of societies such as the Society of Conservation Biology, Estuarine Society, or Ecological Society of America provides chances to connect with professionals, researchers, and potential employers in the field.
2. Building a Strong Network:
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Conferences and Events: Attending conferences and events organized by these societies allows you to network with peers, professors, and industry experts, potentially leading to collaborations, job opportunities, and mentorship.
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Committee Involvement: Volunteering for committees within these societies, such as funding committees or social committees, not only aids in organizing events but also exposes you to a diverse network of individuals within the marine science community.
3. Career Advancement:
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Recommendations and Referrals: Active participation in extracurricular activities and societies can result in strong recommendations and referrals from mentors, professors, and colleagues, which can be invaluable when applying for jobs or graduate programs.
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Exploring Career Paths: Through networking and involvement in various activities, you can gain insights into different career paths within marine science and conservation, helping you narrow down your interests and goals.
In conclusion, by actively engaging in extracurricular activities and societies related to marine science and conservation, you not only strengthen your resume but also expand your professional network, opening doors to new opportunities and career advancement in the field.
Gaining Experience and Making Connections in Marine Science and Conservation
Volunteering in labs, participating in conferences, and joining scientific societies are essential steps for individuals looking to gain valuable experience and make connections in the field of marine science and conservation.
Volunteering in Labs:
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Volunteering in labs provides hands-on experience and exposure to real-world research and conservation efforts.
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By volunteering in labs, individuals can learn about different research methodologies, data collection techniques, and lab protocols.
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It offers the opportunity to work closely with professors, graduate students, and lab managers, allowing for mentorship and guidance in the field.
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Volunteering in labs can help individuals determine their specific interests within marine science and conservation, whether it be aquaculture, behavioral studies, or fieldwork.
Participating in Conferences:
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Conferences serve as networking opportunities where individuals can meet professionals, researchers, and potential mentors in the field.
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Attending conferences allows individuals to present their work, exchange ideas, and collaborate with others in the marine science and conservation community.
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Conferences provide insights into the latest research, trends, and challenges in the field, helping individuals stay informed and connected.
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Participating in conference planning committees or workgroups can further enhance networking opportunities and involvement in the scientific community.
Joining Scientific Societies:
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Joining scientific societies such as the Society of Conservation Biology, American Society of Limnology and Oceanography, or Ecological Society of America offers numerous benefits.
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Scientific societies provide a platform for individuals to engage with like-minded professionals, researchers, and conservationists.
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Membership in scientific societies offers access to resources, publications, and opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
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Involvement in scientific societies can lead to leadership roles, participation in conferences, and exposure to diverse research areas within marine science and conservation.
In conclusion, volunteering in labs, participating in conferences, and joining scientific societies are proactive steps that individuals can take to gain experience, build connections, and advance their careers in the dynamic field of marine science and conservation. These opportunities not only contribute to personal and professional growth but also play a crucial role in driving positive change and conservation efforts for our oceans and marine ecosystems.
Building relationships with mentors, professors, and colleagues is crucial for job opportunities and career advancement in marine science and conservation. As highlighted in the podcast episode, networking within scientific and conservation societies, volunteering for committees, and participating in conferences are excellent ways to connect with professionals in the field. By actively engaging with mentors and colleagues, individuals can gain valuable insights, advice, and potential job referrals.
The episode emphasized the importance of participating in extracurricular activities, such as volunteering in labs, joining societies like the Society of Conservation Biology or the Ecological Society of America, and serving on boards of non-profit organizations. These experiences not only demonstrate a commitment to the field but also provide opportunities to collaborate with experts and establish meaningful connections.
Moreover, the podcast discussed how mentors like Dr. David Ebert often recommend students for job opportunities based on their work ethic and dedication. By building strong relationships with mentors and professors, individuals can access a network of professionals who may offer guidance, references, and even potential job placements.
In conclusion, fostering relationships with mentors, professors, and colleagues is essential for career growth in marine science and conservation. These connections can lead to job opportunities, collaborations, and valuable support throughout one's professional journey. By actively engaging with the marine science community and demonstrating a passion for the field, individuals can enhance their career prospects and contribute meaningfully to ocean conservation efforts.