 What is your current job and what does it entail?
I'm a graduate student at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) in La Jolla, CA. I study the ecology of baleen whales in the Bering Sea using long-term recordings of whale calls and oceanographic data (such as ocean temperature, currents and chlorophyll concentrations).
During my first two years at SIO, I took many classes to give me more of the oceanography background I needed. Currently, I am involved primarily in research, which entails a couple of months at sea per year, occasional travel to a scientific conference, and lots of time at a computer. While at sea, I help deploy and recover whale recording devices, participate in visual and acoustic surveys for marine mammals, and assist other people with their research.
I also participate in outreach programs at K-12 schools, both locally and in Alaska. At schools, I give multimedia presentations on marine mammal sounds and involve the students in hands-on marine science activities.
A key part of my research is sharing knowledge and working with other researchers, combining projects when we can to maximize what we can get out of ship time and increase the chances of getting funded. My work is funded through several agencies including NOAA National Marine Mammal Laboratory, North Pacific Marine Research Institute and North Pacific Research Board.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
I decided to pursue a doctorate at SIO because I think biology is endlessly fascinating, and I've loved the ocean my whole life. SIO gave me the opportunity to combine these two passions, and my education here has been the perfect balance of academic learning in a classroom and practical learning out at sea.
What do like most about your career?
My favorite aspect of my career is definitely spending time at sea. Some days are nonstop work, and you feel a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the day (if you don't fall asleep first). Other days, you may be in transit, or the weather may be too bad to do anything outside, so you have the option of working on your data, watching a movie, chatting with the other folks, eating, reading, sleeping, working out or anything else you can find to do on board. I have seen some awesome, wild places and critters out there, and I have met some kindred spirits that I hope will always be my friends.
What do you like least about your career?
My right arm often gets sore from using my computer mouse so much.
What do you do to relax?
I'm in a yoga class and am learning to surf.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
Dr. Sue Moore, recent director of the NOAA National Marine Mammal Laboratory (now at University of Washington). In the midst of the emotionally and politically charged atmosphere that surrounds marine mammal research and policy, Dr. Moore is one of the friendliest, most approachable scientists I know, and has been a great help to me so far in my graduate education. My mom and dad are also my heroes. They have always supported me in the paths I chose and set examples for me through their own accomplishments and qualities that I admire.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?
Be on the lookout for opportunities to volunteer or work for a marine research group. Right now, we have two high school interns in our lab, and I can think of dozens of other projects at SIO that can always use help collecting samples in the field or doing lab work and data processing. Be open to new experiences and ask lots of questions!
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
I think overall, career opportunities in the marine sciences are increasing because people are beginning to recognize and value the vital roles that oceans play in our lives, such as regulating our climate, feeding us, providing disease-fighting chemical compounds, and being just plain beautiful and fun for us to enjoy. However, these roles are being dramatically impacted by humans, and we need to continue learning about the oceans and how they're changing, and applying this knowledge to come up with better policies.
What will you be doing 10 years from today?
Hopefully, I will be successfully balancing a marine research career and a family.
Salary:Less than $25,000
Email:lmunger@ucsd.edu
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