STEM Career Closeup: Water Quality Specialist

The video features a member of the Formika Fisheries Environmental Division discussing their role and responsibilities. They emphasize the privilege and responsibility of their work, their connection to the Macae tribe, and their efforts in environmental monitoring, particularly for harmful algal blooms. The speaker collaborates with universities and shares experiences from research cruises. They offer career advice, encouraging students to decide on their career paths early and highlighting the benefits of fieldwork in ecology, which offers diverse experiences outside of an office setting.

What motivates the speaker to be part of the Formika Fisheries Environmental Division?

• The chance to work in an office

• A desire for financial gain

• A sense of privilege and responsibility

• The opportunity to travel

What type of environmental monitoring does the speaker engage in?

• Air quality monitoring

• Soil sampling

• Near-shore and in-stream water sampling

• Forest conservation

Which universities does the speaker collaborate with for ecological research?

• Stanford University

• Harvard University

• University of Washington and University of Chicago

• University of California

What is one of the speaker's most enjoyable experiences in their work?

• Writing research papers

• Attending international conferences

• Going on research cruises

• Working in a laboratory

What advice does the speaker give to those interested in ecology-based careers?

• Decide on a career path while in school

• Avoid fieldwork

• Prioritize financial benefits

• Focus on office-based roles