 What is your current job and what does it entail?
I am a Sea Grant/National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Population Dynamics Fellow working toward my Ph.D. at the University of New Hampshire. I am involved in a research project on the spatial management of groundfish resources in the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank. In addition to this project and my coursework, I participate in at sea research and hold an internship at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, NMFS, Woods Hole, MA.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
My parents taught me to be independent and a free-thinker. Growing up in Orlando, Florida, I spent nearly every weekend outdoors either at the beach or an aquarium. At seven, I knew that I wanted to be a marine biologist, and my parents encouraged me to follow my dream.
What do like most about your career?
I enjoy my time at sea and working on interesting research questions. I also travel to some beautiful places to present my work.
What do you like least about your career?
Sometimes I get lost in the quantitative aspects of my work, but I work hard and I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I understand tough concepts.
What do you do to relax?
I play with my two dogs, Jake and Targa, do yoga and work in my garden.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
My heroine is my Grandma. She is a strong woman who taught me the values of respect, love and honesty.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?
Whatever happens in your life, do not give up on your dreams.
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
I believe that career opportunities in the marine sciences are increasing in fields such as fisheries biology, marine geology, satellite oceanography, marine weather, human health and the oceans, and marine and coastal policy. These specialty fields play an important role in local, regional, national and international politics.
What will you be doing 10 years from today?
I will be teaching and conducting research in a university.
Salary:$25,000 - $40,000
Email:jleff@unh.edu
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