Diving into the Future
Reprinted courtesy of The School for Field Studies
John Vavrinec was exploring terrestrial ecology until a semester in the Caribbean led him to marine studies
First Steps
When I told my adviser at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry I was interested in marine biology, it was suggested that marine biology may not be a good field to specialize in at that school, and that it would be hard to make it a career. The program I was in required a field experience and offered one in the Adirondack Mountains. I researched the School for Field Studies’ (SFS) Turks and Caicos Islands program and decided I had seen the Adirondacks, but I had never been to the Caribbean.
From Then to Now
Reflecting back on my study abroad experience with SFS, I met professionals in the field who were excited about what they did and making a living at it. It made me question the advice I had been given as an undergraduate and helped me decide to pursue marine ecology in graduate school instead of terrestrial ecology. It also provided experience in a new ecosystem for me, and diversification is a good thing in the field.
Advice for Others
Take advantage of the opportunities while in your program. Take any extra field time, attend seminars, talk to the instructors. Many people will want to party in an exotic location, but the experiences available are only there for a limited time. Keep your eyes open for opportunities and seek out people whose work follows your interests. You never know when an internship, volunteer weekend, or well directed phone call will turn into an opportunity that will change your life. Do not be afraid to pursue these opportunities, because you can learn from them all even if they do not lead immediately to your dream job.
What do you do for work?
I am a Senior Research Scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Marine Sciences Lab. Specifically, I am a marine ecologist who specializes in community interactions and changes to perturbations. Much of my professional work has been basic science with applications to the understanding and management of economically and ecologically important species.
My current job is somewhat different than previous jobs in academics and at National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in that the work is largely driven by clients and very specific projects. I am part of a talented multidisciplinary group and we approach projects from a team perspective, drawing on the strengths of various members to produce a product that is better than any one of us could put out. Therefore my day-to-day duties vary tremendously. Some of the projects I have worked on here at PNNL include eelgrass quantification/replanting/monitoring, effects of dredging on benthic invertebrates, hyporheic gas saturation in the Columbia River, and prioritization of coastal zones for restoration.
How Did You Choose Your Graduate School?
When I was looking to do a master’s degree, I applied to programs with a strong marine component and hoped they had a professor who wanted me and financial aid. Later, while looking into programs for my Ph.D., I was more selective because I had a better idea of what I wanted to do. Therefore I specifically looked for professors with similar interests in good programs and luckily found a program that met my needs.
What essential skills got you to your current position?
I think the ability to diversify was one reason I landed my job. I have worked in a number of different habitats, in a number of locales, and on a number of different taxa. That flexibility helps me with the diverse projects we get here and allows me to make a contribution to the team effort even if something in not exactly my “specialty.” Another skill I think is important for any scientist is the ability to explain the science to a variety of interest groups, such as harvesters, managers, politicians, educators, and students. Anyone can pick up the jargon of their field, but other biologists are not going to be making laws, management regulations, and business decisions.