By Dana Tricarico
As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a marine biologist. It was hard not to love the ocean; how it made me feel, the mystery of it, and the innate need to want to protect it. The stark reality for many who start off in the field is the competitiveness to obtain jobs. This persists long after the textbooks have closed and you’ve achieved your degree(s). The most significant thing I have learned as a professional in marine biology is that, to truly make a difference in this field, you must come to terms with the interdisciplinary nature of this ever-changing profession.
As a millennial, navigating my way in this world and understanding how I wanted to make a difference often seemed very black and white. I either had to choose a creative brain or a STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) brain. That said, I went with the latter and used my passion for the ocean to fuel my desire to excel in a STEM field, especially because women were under-represented in these areas. I took the difficult science classes, worked with Great White Sharks in South Africa, and became a scientific diver and Divemaster while obtaining my Master’s degree. Working in the field gave me everything I wanted in a job… with one exception. I wanted the public to know about the threats to the marine environment and what individuals could do to make a difference.
Cue the funding chaos that can also be associated with the science field. I went from Biological Science Technician at Biscayne National Park, to National Park Ranger Dana who had to quickly adapt to the educational side of conservation. Yes, this means I wore the infamous flat hat at work- it was all the rage that season! I juggled the research and education, working for several non-profits, and after finding my place in a close-knit ocean conservation network, one thing became clear. The general public can give the ocean voice if we provide them with accessible information. There are so many more public stakeholders than there are marine biologists that are already familiar with the problems that our oceans face. As science communicators, we need to capitalize on this.
My current organization, Miami Waterkeeper, focuses on the magnitude of marine debris. Subsequently, our team was able to educate the public and policy in such a way that several municipalities have banned straws. Presently, I organize and lead citizen science events where members of the general public can help collect and interpret data alongside trained scientists. In my mind, these are the clearest examples of how various fields have merged together to achieve the greatest successes in protecting our ocean.
If I were to talk to my young academic self now, I’d remind her that focusing on the STEM field is important; it gives you the “street-cred” and knowledge to become part of the marine science community. However, to truly excel in this field, education and advocacy are as equally important as science. Women have a tendency to sell themselves short. However, we are much more intelligent and well rounded then we give ourselves credit. If women recognize their ability to communicate the science they are conducting, and of course, continue to follow their passion in this competitive field, we will continue to successfully impact positive environmental change.
Other articles in the Women’s Aquatic Network December series:
- A Woman, a Vision, a Network: The Rise of WAN in Washington and the Importance of Women in Marine and Coastal Affairs, By Katy Lackey
- From Wrecked Reefs to Ocean Optimism, By Dr. Nancy Knowlton
- Becoming a Miami Waterkeeper, By Dana Tricarico
- SmallScaleOA: A Win-Win for Academia, Industry, Community, and Conservation, By Katharine (Kat) Leigh
- Diving Dreams and Solo Travel, By Victoria Bell
- Why the Women Around You Are the Network You Need, By Dana Rollison
Dana Tricarico serves as the Outreach Coordinator for Miami Waterkeeper, where she works on engaging the general public and local stakeholders with issues that threaten the waters of South Florida. Through her various academic and career experiences, she has found a way to combine the field work of marine biology with science communication to make a lasting impact on the local community. Her ultimate goal is to work internationally to inspire other communities to rally around their local marine resources. She connected with the WAN community to meet other like-minded women in the marine and ocean field, learn from her peers, and build professional connections.
Dana has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Siena College and a M.P.S. in Marine Conservation from the University of Miami. Dana can be reached at dana@miamiwaterkeeper.org.
Note: Views expressed in this article are the author’s own. They do not necessarily represent WAN or the author’s employer.