What first drew you to science, fisheries, or the ocean?
Growing up inland, the annual family summer trips to the seashore were my “happy time”. I decided very early in my school career that I wanted to be a biologist who lived and worked on the coast. My love for fish, and specifically fish reproduction, was discovered in graduate school. And I haven’t looked back!
What part of your work makes you feel proud or hopeful?
Although fish reproduction is a relatively small discipline, I am encouraged to see more young people (and specifically women!) moving into this field.
What are some of the most significant challenges women or girls face in science in your context?
While there are now more women in science in college and graduate school than men, we still face the “leaky pipeline”. It is difficult to excel in Academia and still be a mother; many women move to less demanding/stressful careers as they start families. There is also still underrepresentation in the top levels of academia.
What support, opportunities, or conditions have helped you (or others) succeed despite these challenges?
I have been exceptionally lucky to have wonderful supervisors my entire career who supported side projects and areas of research I wanted to pursue, even if they weren’t expressly part of the actual, original research project.
What message would you share with girls considering a career in science or fisheries, especially those who may doubt they belong?
Please follow your heart! Don’t take “no” for an answer. Look for mentors.
