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
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....
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All The Sharks Netflix: Aliah Banchik Shares Behind-the-Scenes Stories from the Shark Game Show
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
All The Sharks Netflix introduces us to a new way of seeing sharks—not as mindless monsters, but as awe-inspiring animals coexisting with skilled divers. In this episode of Beyond Jaws, Aliah Banchik, one of the contestants on the show, takes us through her experience competing in this thrilling underwater game show. She opens up about what it was really like swimming among sharks, the rigorous training involved, and the relationships she built with fellow contestants and apex predators alike. Aliah also discusses the emotional and physical toll of filming a show that centers sharks without...
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Mick Grant: Discovering River Sharks and Sawfish in Papua New Guinea
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Mick Grant is a postdoctoral researcher at James Cook University, and in this episode of Beyond Jaws, he takes us on a journey from his childhood passion for nature to working with some of the world’s most elusive shark species. His story spans groundbreaking fieldwork in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia, including the rediscovery of species like the sailfin houndshark, and the challenges of conducting research in remote regions. River sharks and sawfish are among the most threatened species in our oceans. Mick shares insights into their ecology, the conservation policies affecting them, and...
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Jaws 50th Anniversary: How a Movie Reshaped Shark Science Forever
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Why the 50th Anniversary of Jaws Still Matters for Shark Science The movie Jaws terrified audiences and demonized great white sharks, but it also inspired a generation of shark researchers and boosted funding for marine science. In this special anniversary episode of Beyond Jaws, co-hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert revisit the legacy of Jaws 50 years later. They speak with leading shark researchers—Lisa Natanson, Greg Skomal, and Chris Lowe, about how the film influenced their careers and the public’s relationship with sharks. Shark science owes more to Jaws than you might...
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Sharks, Science, and Storytelling with Guido Leurs
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Shark Conservation drives today’s conversation with Guido Leurs, a marine scientist whose research spans multiple shark species and explores how we connect with them through images and media. Guido shares his unique career path, from his early fascination to postdoctoral work, and how visual storytelling has played a critical role in understanding and protecting these misunderstood predators. Marine Science Communication is at the heart of Guido’s journey. This episode covers the evolution of his work, from science diving and species identification to the broader social and ecological...
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Learning About Whale Sharks with Simon Pierce Marine Megafauna, Conservation & Discovery
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Learning about whale sharks with Dr. Simon Pierce reveals a world of mystery behind the ocean’s largest fish. As co-founder of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, Simon shares surprising insights into whale shark behavior, global tracking efforts, and the challenges of conserving these gentle giants. A must-listen for anyone curious about ocean science and megafauna conservation. Marine MegaFauna Website: https://marinemegafauna.org/ Connect with us: Website: Instagram: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: Instagram: Andrew: Website: Instagram: ...
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How Sophie Maycock’s New Book is Changing the Way We See Sharks
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Sharks: In this special bonus episode of Beyond Jaws, we dive deep into a fresh perspective on sharks through the eyes of marine biologist and science communicator Sophie Maycock. Sophie joins co-hosts Dr. David Ebert and Andrew Lewin to discuss her new book Shark: An Illustrated Biography, which not only showcases the beauty and complexity of these creatures but also challenges long-held misconceptions. Sophie: We explore Sophie’s journey from her scientific background to becoming a published author, the creative process of writing about sharks, and why visual storytelling matters in...
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Technical Shark Diving and Predator Science with Dr. Yannis Papastamatiou
Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Technical diving opens up a whole new world for shark researchers like Dr. Yannis Papastamatiou, who has built a career studying predator dynamics in some of the most remote and challenging underwater environments. In this episode, Yannis shares his global journey through the UK, Greece, California, Hawaii, and now Florida — explaining how each location shaped his shark research and conservation strategies. Shark science isn’t just about getting close to these apex predators — it’s also about the sophisticated diving techniques and equipment needed to study their behavior where most...
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
Connect with us:
Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591
Dave:
Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5
Andrew:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG