From Ohio to Oregon: The Journey of a Shark Scientist with Dr. Alexandra McInturf
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Release Date: 11/04/2024
Guitarfish Genetics and Culture in Mexico: Bryan Huerta’s Journey Into Shark Science
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Guitarfish genetics take center stage in this inspiring episode as Bryan Huerta shares how his fascination with sharks at the massive La Nueva Viga fish market in Mexico City sparked his entire scientific path. His early curiosity grew into formal research that now examines the guitarfish sold as Pez Diablo in Mexican markets, where he used molecular tools to identify species and highlight conservation concerns. Marine conservation research also shaped Bryan’s career through field experience in the Northern Gulf of Mexico where he helped run longline surveys, learned dissection and...
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Deep Sea Shark Discovery: Ivy Baremore and David Ebert Train the Next Generation in Honduras
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Shark Identification Training In this episode of Beyond Jaws, Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert welcome back Dr. Ivy Baremore from MarAlliance to talk about an incredible deep-sea shark identification workshop held in Honduras. The workshop brought together scientists, students, and even local diving enthusiasts to learn how to identify some of the most mysterious sharks in the Caribbean. Ivy shares what inspired the training, how it came together after nearly a decade of planning, and why empowering local researchers is the first step in conserving deep-sea species. Deep Sea Conservation in...
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Madagascar Environment and Shark Discoveries with Dr. David Ebert
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Madagascar Environment takes center stage in this episode of Beyond Jaws, where co-host Dr. David Ebert shares stories from his latest fieldwork on one of the planet’s most unique islands. From long days on the water to surprising new shark encounters, David reveals what makes Madagascar such an incredible place for marine research and conservation. This episode dives into the realities of working in remote field conditions, the thrill of discovering new species, and the importance of connecting local communities to conservation goals. Madagascar’s waters hold a mix of mystery and urgency,...
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Ghost Sharks with Dominique Didier: Unveiling the Hidden World of Chimaeras
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Ghost Sharks are some of the most mysterious creatures in the ocean, and in this episode, we explore their story with Dr. Dominique Didier. She joins us to talk about her groundbreaking new book Ghost Sharks of the World, which she co-authored with Dr. Dave Ebert and others. From taxonomy and biology to personal stories of research, Dominique reveals why ghost sharks deserve as much attention as their shark and ray relatives. Ghost Sharks fascinate both scientists and ocean enthusiasts because of their evolutionary significance. In this conversation, Dominique shares her career journey, the...
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Sharks and Hurricanes: Aaron Carlisle’s Journey From Jaws Trauma to Shark Science
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Sharks and hurricanes: that’s not a Sharknado sequel, it’s real research. In this episode of Beyond Jaws, Dr. Aaron Carlisle shares how a childhood moment of terror watching Jaws turned into a career in shark science. Aaron is now an Assistant Professor of Fisheries Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he explores how the physical and biological environment influences shark behavior, distribution, and ecology using cutting-edge tools like stable isotopes and biologging. Sharks and hurricanes also becomes a metaphor for navigating the whirlwind of academic expectations and public...
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The Shark Conservation Legacy of Leonard Compagno
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Shark Conservation has been shaped by the tireless work of scientists like Leonard Compagno. In this episode, Andrew speaks with the legendary ichthyologist whose contributions to shark taxonomy and conservation have influenced generations of researchers and advocates. Compagno shares how he became fascinated by sharks, his groundbreaking work cataloging shark species, and his role in shaping the IUCN Shark Specialist Group. Shark Taxonomy is at the core of Compagno’s career, and his insights into the classification and identification of sharks reveal why proper taxonomy is critical for...
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Shark Science Career Advice: Kenzie Horton on Tracking White Sharks and Finding Your Path
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Shark Science Career Advice: In this episode of Beyond Jaws, we sit down with Kenzie Horton, a passionate early-career shark biologist who’s turning childhood snorkel trips into a mission to protect sharks and educate the public. From chasing fish with a disposable underwater camera to studying white shark migration off the Carolinas, Kenzie’s story is one of drive, persistence, and unshakable curiosity. She discusses the ups and downs of becoming a marine biologist, how she found her way into shark research, and what she’s learned through internships, grad school, and outreach. White...
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Shark Science: How International Trade Fuels Unsustainable Shark and Ray Fisheries
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Shark science isn’t just about understanding biology, it’s about tackling the global forces that threaten these species. In this episode of Beyond Jaws, research scientist Chris Mull explains how international trade has become a powerful driver of unsustainable shark and ray fisheries. From luxury markets for shark fins to emerging demands for meat and cartilage, trade dynamics are reshaping conservation challenges worldwide. Shark conservation must consider the economics and policies behind fishing, not just the science in the water. Chris describes his work using phylogenetic comparative...
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Deep Sea Exploration: Jonatha Giddens on Connecting People to the Ocean Through Science and Storytelling
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Deep sea exploration is more than science—it’s an invitation to connect with the largest, least understood part of our planet. In this episode, Jonatha Giddens, a PhD researcher from the University of Hawai‘i, shares how her global work on deep-ocean ecosystems blends scientific discovery, creative communication, and human connection. From working aboard research vessels to translating complex ocean data into emotional stories, Jonatha explores how we can better understand and protect the deep sea. Ocean storytelling is central to her approach. Jonatha discusses how she uses writing,...
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Shark Week 2025 with Jesse Colaizzi: What It Really Takes to Make the Ocean’s Biggest TV Event
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Shark Week 2025 takes center stage in this conversation with Jesse Colaizzi, one of the producers behind the most-watched week in ocean television. We go behind the scenes of what it takes to pitch, plan, film, and deliver a compelling Shark Week segment, how ideas are selected, and how shows make the leap from concept to global audience. Jesse also discusses what it means to represent sharks accurately while keeping the drama that draws millions of viewers each year. Ocean storytelling comes into sharp focus as Jesse explains the pressure to entertain while maintaining scientific integrity....
info_outlineIn this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, Dr. Alexandra McInturf shares her journey in shark science and conservation, highlighting her impressive academic and research background. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, a landlocked state, Alexandra developed a passion for marine biology and sharks at a young age, inspired by a family trip to Florida and the influence of Shark Week.
She graduated cum laude from Williams College with degrees in biology and English, later earning her PhD in animal behavior from the University of California, Davis. Her doctoral research focused on basking sharks and involved significant citizen science efforts. Despite challenges, including not seeing basking sharks during her fieldwork in Ireland, she pivoted her research to utilize existing data and collaborated with other researchers, including Dr. David Ebert.
Currently, Alexandra is a research associate at Oregon State University's Big Fish Lab, where she examines the foraging ecology of salmon sharks and investigates the impacts of microplastics on marine life. She is also involved in community engagement and outreach, aiming to raise awareness about sharks in Oregon, a state often overlooked in shark research.
One of her notable recent projects involved studying a ship strike incident involving a basking shark, which underscored the importance of understanding human impacts on marine species. Alexandra emphasizes the significance of mentorship and science communication in her work, striving to make shark science more inclusive and accessible to the public. Through her efforts, she aims to contribute to the conservation of threatened marine species and foster a greater understanding of their ecological roles.
Alexandra's Personal Website: https://alexandramcinturf.squarespace.com/
Chapple Big Fish Lab: https://marineresearch.oregonstate.edu/chapple-lab/meet-chapple-big-fish-lab
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