"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!"