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Biologist

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AVG. SALARY

$76,880

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

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JOB OUTLOOK

Decreasing

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Insider Info

"I was always really into biology," remembers Ed Seidel, a marine biologist. "My interest started early. I always had aquariums, terrariums and animals. My family hiked a lot and visited the shore."

Seidel's grandmother was one of the first female marine biologists at the world-famous Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts. His mother was a botanist.

"I started planning for this career when I was in the 10th grade," remembers Nancy Targett, now a marine studies professor at the University of Delaware.

"I participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competitions. In high school, I saw an article by Sylvia Earle and wrote to her. She took the time to answer my letter and encourage my interests. It was a kindness I never forgot."

Targett gives three reasons for entering marine biology: her fascination with the ocean and marine plants and animals, her desire to pursue her inquisitive nature, and the new information she has to constantly process.

It started early for research scientist Rick Gleeson, too. "At an early age, I developed an insatiable curiosity about the various mechanisms of biology -- particularly in understanding the operational details and functional significance of different structural features and behaviors."

The interest came later for marine biologist Sue Lisin. "It's almost due to circumstance that I became a marine biologist," she recalls.

"When I was in college, I became interested in biology because it was much more interesting and tangible than math, which was my intended major. I was very interested in botany, so I began there, then took a couple classes in marine botany, which hooked me into the marine realm. Everything about marine biology was exciting and a constant learning experience. I'm still learning today."

There's no average day for Seidel. Some of his work is applied research -- feeding animals, cleaning their environment and basically keeping them alive. Currently he spends time with cephalopods such as cuttlefish, octopus and nautilus. He also designs exhibits for the aquarium, even doing plumbing and electrical work.

Seidel's career includes an 18-month stint in the Philippines with the Peace Corps. His marine fisheries projects included working with and encouraging residents to stop their unique and ecologically harmful method of fishing.

"It was dynamite fishing," says Seidel. "They put dynamite or other explosives in the water, set it off, and the explosion would shock the fish. Then they just scooped them up. The problem was that it also killed other [inedible] fish or fish too small to eat or sell. It also destroyed the coral reefs, some of which may never grow back."

Seidel had no enforcement power to stop the practice, so he promoted alternative methods for the fishermen to earn money. Seaweed farming was one that proved successful.

"Each grant that is funded and each paper that is published is still a thrill," says Targett. "I particularly like the field aspect of the work. I've logged many hours of underwater experiments, including three missions in an underwater habitat!"

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