What does a typical day look like for you?

During the summer field season in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, I spend the majority of my time offshore conducting scuba operations that support scientific research and resource protection efforts, with each expedition offering unique objectives and challenges. In the winter months, my days are spent analyzing the data we collected during the summer, including statistical analysis, and writing up scientific reports and papers.

What NOAA project have you enjoyed working on the most?

The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary long-term monitoring project has been an amazing experience and project to work on. This project has been ongoing for almost 35 years and has created an in-depth understanding of the reefs and habitats in the sanctuary. It has been a rewarding experience continuing this research and this long-term dataset has been crucial in understanding, identifying, and responding to ecosystem changes in recent years.

How did you get to where you are now in your career?

I’ve had a diverse and unique career that began with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology from James Cook University in Australia. After graduating, I returned to the U.S. and volunteered at the New England Aquarium, contributing to lobster research. I then completed an internship at the Cape Eleuthera Institute in The Bahamas, which grew into a full-time role as a research technician. There, I focused on fisheries research—an experience that sparked my passion for fish biology and ecology.

I went on to earn a master’s degree in marine biology from the University of Plymouth in England and later volunteered at St Abbs Marine Station in Scotland, assisting with fisheries and conservation projects. In late 2019, I returned to the U.S. to work with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries conducting recreational fishing surveys, and later joined Auburn University tagging red snapper and gray triggerfish off Alabama’s coast.

These experiences and academic foundations ultimately led me to my current role at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, where I’ve been conducting reef ecology research and conservation since 2022.

What is one piece of advice you would share with someone who might be thinking of pursuing your career path?

Keep trying. Pursuing a career in marine science can be highly competitive and challenging, but persistence is key. Take advantage of every opportunity available—whether it’s volunteer work, internships, or field experience—as each one can lead to new connections and open doors to future roles. Networking with colleagues and mentors during these experiences is also critical, as many opportunities arise through these connections. There were many times during my journey when this career felt out of reach, but with perseverance and determination, I was able to get my dream job.