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Marine Scientist / Biologist (6-9 years old)
Hello, my name is Kate Larkin. I am a marine scientist, which means that I study the ocean and the sea life. Some people call me also a marine biologist. I started working at EMODnet in 2019. Since 2023, I work as Head, which means that I lead the EMODnet as it performs the tasks that are needed to make sure that our network works well and successfully.
To become a marine scientist, I first studied Natural Sciences with focus on Biology and Geology at the University of Birmingham, in the United Kingdom. Then, I chose to specialise in marine sciences and moved to the University of Southampton, where I completed a PhD in deep-sea biogeochemistry.
My career so far has included research about the oceans and the life that life there is there, trips to various locations where I had to complete various tasks, leading tasks that have to do with marine science, communication and working with and science experts and decision makers who make rules about the oceans and its sea life. We call these people policy makers.
Meet the professional
The European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet) is a network of European organisations working together to observe the oceans, collect information called “marine data”, and make this marine data freely available.
The primary aim of EMODnet is to unlock existing information and other marine data that are not so well studied and make them accessible for a wide range of users including private companies, public authorities and researchers. EMODnet in the end is like a community, a network of organisations that work together to observe the oceans, process data, compare with international information and make it freely available.
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Skills
Curiosity
"Stay curious, ask questions, and observe (watch carefully) the natural world."
Data analysis
"Gathering, studying, and understanding information."
Communication and collaboration
"How to share information with many different people in a way they understand."
Consulting
"Giving advice and information in a way that people can understand."
Leadership
"Making hard decisions sometimes and helping team members when needed. It also means working together with everyone on the team to achieve shared goals."
Advice to take away
My advice is to choose a topic or subject that really interests you within the wider STEM subjects, you do not need to specialise too early. Exploring everything I found interesting was very helpful in my career as a marine scientist. If you have already things that fascinate you, you are on a good track! Then after you become good at what you studied you can start building up expertise along the way. Talk to professors, link with online events and networks in your subject area and ask if people offer internships. Explore options for a further study like Masters. With this, you can develop solid expertise.
If you want to become a marine scientist in specific, then try learning as many things as possible about the oceans and marine life. Engaging early on with this job and having different roles will help you decide what you want to focus on. This is important since the field of marine science is very big. You may want to work in projects that save sea animals or become a leader and offer your knowledge instead. In any case, try practicing your skills as much as possible.
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Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Also supported by Scientix®, an initiative of European Schoolnet.