From Landlocked to Ocean Bound: Dr. Ivy Baremore's Journey in Marine Science

In this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, co-hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert dive into an engaging conversation about living in Honduras and the allure of island life, especially for diving enthusiasts. They introduce their guest, Ivy Baremore, a newly minted PhD with extensive experience as a fisheries observer and work with the National Marine Fisheries Service. The hosts express their excitement about Ivy's career journey, particularly her move to Belize, and the various life changes she's experienced, including her recent marriage and navigating her PhD studies. Tune in to discover more about Ivy's fascinating adventures and insights into marine life and fisheries.

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Dr. Ivy Barrymore's journey into marine biology and shark research is a compelling narrative that highlights the importance of early experiences and hands-on internships in shaping a successful career in the field. From a young age, Ivy exhibited a passion for marine biology, a dream ignited during childhood vacations to Dauphin Island, Alabama, where she spent time searching for shark teeth. This early fascination with the ocean laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.

Ivy's academic path began at Florida State University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree. During her undergraduate studies, she seized an internship opportunity with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which proved pivotal in her career. This internship provided her with practical experience in marine research, working on a project that involved analyzing mackerel otoliths (ear bones). The hands-on experience she gained solidified her interest in marine biology and equipped her with valuable skills for her future roles.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Ivy continued to build her experience as a biological technician for NMFS in Panama City, Florida. This role allowed her to engage directly with marine species and deepened her understanding of the complexities of marine ecosystems. Her work involved monitoring shark pupping and nursery areas, further fueling her interest in shark research.

Ivy's journey took another significant turn when she pursued her Master's degree at the University of Florida, focusing on the angel shark, Squatina dumerale. Her master's research was closely tied to her work with NMFS, as she leveraged the data collected during her time as a technician. This integration of academic pursuits with practical fieldwork exemplifies the importance of hands-on experience in marine science.

Following her master's degree, Ivy returned to NMFS, where she continued her work in shark research for nearly a decade. Her role involved coordinating fisheries observer programs, providing her with further opportunities to collect biological data essential for stock assessments. The experience she gained during this time was invaluable, allowing her to collaborate with established scientists and contribute to significant research projects.

Eventually, Ivy made the bold decision to move to Belize to work with Mar Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on marine conservation. This transition marked a new chapter in her career, where she could apply her skills to address complex marine issues in a different context. The flexibility and creativity offered by working in a nonprofit environment allowed her to explore new research avenues, particularly in deep-sea fisheries.

Throughout her journey, Ivy's commitment to hands-on experience has been a driving force in her career. Her internships and practical roles have not only provided her with essential skills but have also shaped her understanding of marine biology and shark research. As she pursued her Ph.D. at the University of Exeter while working full-time, Ivy's ability to integrate her research with her professional responsibilities further underscores the importance of experiential learning in marine science. Her story serves as an inspiring example for aspiring marine biologists, emphasizing that hands-on experience is crucial for success in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.

The Journey of Dr. Ivy Barrymore in Marine Science

Dr. Ivy Barrymore's journey in marine science is a fascinating tale of passion, perseverance, and adaptability. Her story begins with a childhood fascination with marine biology, sparked during family vacations to Dauphin Island, Alabama. Despite growing up landlocked in Arkansas, her love for the ocean deepened when her family moved to Hawaii during her sophomore year of high school. This significant transition not only exposed her to the marine environment but also solidified her desire to pursue a career in marine biology.

Education and Early Career

Ivy's academic path led her to Florida State University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree. During her undergraduate studies, she interned at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which became a pivotal experience in her career. This internship allowed her to work on a project involving mackerel and otoliths, providing her with hands-on experience in marine research. After graduating, she continued her journey with NMFS, where she worked for several years before returning to graduate school to obtain her Master's degree at the University of Florida, focusing on the angel shark.

Her master's research was particularly noteworthy as it addressed a significant gap in knowledge regarding the angel shark, a species listed as prohibited due to insufficient data on its population status. This project not only contributed valuable data to NMFS but also set the stage for her future endeavors in marine science.

Transition to Belize and Mar Alliance

After nearly a decade of working with NMFS, Ivy faced a crossroads in her career. Despite her extensive experience, she found herself in a position with limited opportunities for advancement. This prompted her to explore new avenues, leading her to a job opportunity with Mar Alliance in Belize, a nonprofit organization focused on marine conservation.

The decision to move to Belize was not without its challenges, especially as she had just gotten married. However, the prospect of working in a dynamic environment where she could apply her skills to new and exciting problems was too enticing to pass up. In Belize, Ivy quickly adapted to the challenges of conducting research in a remote location, gaining invaluable experience in logistics and fieldwork.

Pursuing a PhD

While working with Mar Alliance, Ivy also pursued her Ph.D. at the University of Exeter. This unique opportunity allowed her to continue her work in marine science while advancing her education. The structure of the Ph.D. program in the UK, which did not require her to be on campus full-time, was particularly beneficial for her situation. She was able to balance her responsibilities as a researcher and a mother while completing her doctoral studies.

Ivy's research during her Ph.D. focused on deep-sea fisheries, an area that had previously been underexplored in Belize. Her work not only contributed to the scientific community's understanding of these fisheries but also aligned with Mar Alliance's mission to promote sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation.

Conclusion

Dr. Ivy Barrymore's journey in marine science exemplifies the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities. From her early fascination with the ocean to her impactful research in Belize, Ivy's career is a testament to the diverse paths one can take in the field of marine biology. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring marine scientists, highlighting that with determination and the right opportunities, one can make significant contributions to the understanding and conservation of our oceans.

Pursuing a Ph.D. can be a strategic career move, particularly when it aligns with one's professional goals and offers flexibility in managing work and personal life. This is exemplified by Dr. Ivy Barrymore's experience as she undertook her part-time Ph.D. while working at Mar Alliance.

Alignment with Professional Goals

Ivy's decision to pursue a Ph.D. was not made lightly; it was a calculated step toward advancing her career. After spending over a decade working with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), she reached a point where there were limited opportunities for advancement. Despite her extensive experience and a master's degree, Ivy found herself in a position where her title and pay did not reflect her qualifications. This realization prompted her to explore options that would allow her to grow professionally.

When she joined Mar Alliance, she was encouraged by Rachel Graham to find a research focus that she was passionate about. This support was crucial as it allowed Ivy to align her Ph.D. research with her work at Mar Alliance, specifically in the area of deep-sea fisheries. By leveraging her existing knowledge and experience, she was able to create a research project that not only contributed to her academic goals but also benefited the organization.

Flexibility in Work and Personal Life

One of the significant advantages of Ivy's part-time Ph.D. was the flexibility it provided. As a working professional, she was able to continue her role at Mar Alliance while pursuing her degree. This arrangement allowed her to maintain a steady income and job security, which is particularly important for someone with a family. Ivy mentioned that she had a five-year-old son during her Ph.D. journey, and the ability to work full-time while studying part-time was essential for balancing her responsibilities as a mother and a professional.

The structure of the Ph.D. program at the University of Exeter also contributed to this flexibility. Unlike traditional U.S. Ph.D. programs that often require students to be on campus and take courses, Ivy's program allowed her to conduct her research remotely. This meant she could manage her time effectively, focusing on her studies when it suited her schedule, without the need to relocate or disrupt her family life.

Conclusion

Ivy's experience illustrates that pursuing a Ph.D. can be a strategic career move when it is thoughtfully aligned with professional aspirations and personal circumstances. By choosing a part-time program that complemented her work at Mar Alliance, she was able to enhance her qualifications while continuing to contribute to meaningful research in marine biology. This approach not only advanced her career but also provided the necessary flexibility to balance her personal life, making her Ph.D. journey a successful and enriching experience.

The Journey of Dr. Ivy Barrymore in Marine Science

Dr. Ivy Barrymore's journey in marine science is a fascinating tale of passion, perseverance, and adaptability. Her story begins with a childhood fascination with marine biology, sparked during family vacations to Dauphin Island, Alabama. Despite growing up landlocked in Arkansas, her love for the ocean deepened when her family moved to Hawaii during her sophomore year of high school. This significant transition not only exposed her to the ocean but also solidified her desire to pursue a career in marine biology.

Education and Early Career

Ivy's academic path led her to Florida State University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree. During her undergraduate studies, she interned at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which became a pivotal experience in her career. This internship allowed her to work on a project involving mackerel and otoliths, providing her with hands-on experience in marine research. After graduating, she continued her journey with NMFS, where she worked for over a decade, focusing on shark pupping and nursery surveys in the Gulf of Mexico.

Her desire to further her education led her to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Florida, where she conducted research on the angel shark, Squatina dumerelle. This project was not only significant for her academic growth but also contributed valuable data to NMFS, which was in need of information on prohibited species.

Transition to Belize and Mar Alliance

After years of working as a contractor with NMFS, Ivy faced a career crossroads. With limited opportunities for advancement and a desire for new challenges, she decided to take a leap of faith and move to Belize to work with Mar Alliance, an organization founded by Rachel Graham. This decision marked a significant shift in her career, allowing her to apply her skills in a new and exciting environment.

In Belize, Ivy was able to engage in diverse marine research projects, including deep-sea fisheries studies. This role not only reignited her passion for marine science but also provided her with the opportunity to work closely with local fishing communities, addressing complex problems related to marine conservation.

Pursuing a PhD

While working at Mar Alliance, Ivy also pursued a Ph.D. at the University of Exeter. This decision was strategic, as it allowed her to continue her work while advancing her education. The flexibility of the program, which did not require her to be on campus, was crucial for her, especially as she balanced her responsibilities as a full-time researcher and a new mother.

Ivy's Ph.D. research focused on deep-sea fisheries, building on the data she had already collected during her time at Mar Alliance. This experience not only enhanced her expertise but also positioned her for future leadership roles within the organization.

Conclusion

Dr. Ivy Barrymore's journey in marine science exemplifies the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities. From her early fascination with the ocean to her impactful work in Belize and her pursuit of a Ph.D., Ivy's story is a testament to the diverse paths one can take in the field of marine biology. Her experiences highlight the significance of hands-on research, collaboration with local communities, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge in addressing the challenges facing our oceans today.

The differences between Ph.D. programs in the U.S. and the U.K. can significantly impact a student's experience, particularly for those already in the workforce. The U.K. system offers more flexibility, allowing students to balance work and academic commitments more effectively.

Key Differences

1. Course Requirements:

2. In the U.S., Ph.D. programs typically require students to complete a set number of courses before they can begin their research. This often includes qualifying exams and comprehensive exams, which can extend the time spent in the program.

3. Conversely, the U.K. system does not have a formal requirement for coursework if the student already holds a master's degree. This allows students to focus primarily on their research from the outset.

4. Funding and Assistantships:

5. U.S. Ph.D. students often receive funding through teaching or research assistantships, which cover tuition and provide a stipend. This financial support is crucial for many students, especially those who may not have the means to pay for their education upfront.

6. In the U.K., while there are opportunities for funding, many students may need to pay tuition out of pocket. Scholarships may be available, but the financial model can be less supportive compared to the U.S. system.

7. Duration and Structure:

8. U.S. Ph.D. programs typically last around five to seven years, with a significant portion dedicated to coursework before research begins. This can be a lengthy commitment for someone who is already working.

9. U.K. Ph.D. programs are generally shorter, often taking three to four years, and they allow for part-time study. This structure is particularly beneficial for individuals who wish to continue working while pursuing their degree.

10. Research Focus:

11. In the U.S., the path to a Ph.D. often involves a broad exploration of the field before narrowing down to a specific research topic. This can be beneficial for students who are still determining their specific interests.

12. The U.K. system encourages students to define their research focus early on, which can lead to a more streamlined and efficient process. This is advantageous for those who already have a clear idea of their research interests and want to integrate their work experience with their academic pursuits.

Impact on Students

For individuals like Dr. Ivy Barrymore, who transitioned from a career in marine biology to pursuing a Ph.D. while working with Mar Alliance, the U.K. system provided the flexibility needed to manage both responsibilities. She was able to conduct her research in Belize while completing her Ph.D. part-time at the University of Exeter. This arrangement allowed her to leverage her professional experience and apply it directly to her academic work, creating a cohesive narrative for her thesis.

In summary, the U.K. Ph.D. system's flexibility, reduced course requirements, and shorter duration make it an attractive option for working professionals. This structure enables students to balance their academic and professional lives more effectively, ultimately enhancing their educational experience and career development.