 What is your current job and what does it entail?
I am the Marine Mammal Response Manager for the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, which is one of 14 National Marine Sanctuaries located throughout the United States. Though the Humpback Whale Sanctuary encompasses much of the waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands, I work primarily on Maui and surrounding waters for most of the year. In the summer months I follow the humpbacks to their feeding grounds in Alaska and work with the animals there. As my title suggests, my job entails responding to marine mammals, primarily humpback whales, in distress. Many of my response efforts involve assessing animals that have been hit by boats or become entangled in fishing gear and marine debris. Here in Hawaii, I coordinate disentanglement efforts under NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program and work with a network of responders in an attempt to free large whales from life threatening entanglements. Over the years I have assisted in over 50 large whale disentanglements here in Hawaii, in Alaska, and along the East Coast of the U.S. We realize we won’t be able to cut every entangled whale free, but the information we garner from our efforts will help reduce entanglement threats in the future – our ultimate goal. I also work with fishermen, do research on the animals and gear involved in entanglements, and provide a great deal of public outreach on these threats. My other job responsibilities are assisting with general whale research and education.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
I went to school to become a medical doctor, but realized fairly early on that my heart was not in it. Instead, I followed my passion and love of the environment. Along the way events occurred, and some key people helped provide a path that I would end up taking. Now, I help animals in need and people indirectly through the rescue work.
What do like most about your career?
The best part of my job is the variety of challenges it provides, working with different scientists in different regions and fields, and working with the animals. While working with marine mammals that have been impacted or threatened by human actions can be depressing at times, it is extremely rewarding to save an animal or learn something that might save other animals in the future from these very threats. There is never a dull day.
What do you like least about your career?
The same variety and challenges that make the job appealing can also be frustrating and tiring at times. This is not an 8 to 5 job. It demands a great deal of dedication.
What do you do to relax?
I like scuba diving in both temperate and tropical waters. My other big passion is photography, so I try to have a camera with me whenever I am underwater. I also enjoy biking, hiking and just being outdoors.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
My parents, whose support has allowed me to follow my dreams. Also, many a professor, but two stand out. Dr. John Heiser (Cornell University) and Dr. James Taylor (University of New Hampshire). Both provided immeasurable support, guidance and friendship that, like my parents, set the stage for the path (career) I would later take.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?
Work hard in school, follow your passions, and be ready to take advantage of opportunities. Test the waters by getting some early hands-on experience in the field(s) you think you might be interested in. If you find you like it, it will be an investment towards pursuing a career in that field. Whether you become a specialist or a generalist, I think generalists have more opportunities early on in their careers. Broadening your experience base through teaching assistantships, internships and volunteer work is helpful, and during college obtain minors that might compliment the marine field you are interested in. Having other skills and certifications, like CPR, scuba, and Coast Guard licensing may help.
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
I think the opportunities in the marine mammal field are increasing, but they are still very competitive. The recent political and economical environments have posed some hurdles. Hopefully this will soon change.
What will you be doing 10 years from today?
Hopefully, still working in the marine field and with marine mammals.
Salary:$40-60,000
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