Author: David Shiffman

Shark scientists want their research to help save threatened species, but don’t know how. Our new paper can help.

Posted on By David Shiffman
Conservation, Education, Science

Sharks are some of the most threatened animals on Earth, and accordingly many scientists who study sharks want their research to be useful for conservation. However, most scientific training does not include a detailed explanation of the policymaking process, resulting in lots of shark research being positioned as relevant to conservation and policy when it … Read More “Shark scientists want their research to help save threatened species, but don’t know how. Our new paper can help.” »

I can serve on your graduate thesis committee. Here’s what you can expect of me, and what I expect in return.

Posted on By David Shiffman
Academic life, Science

By outlining my role and expectations as a committee member, my goal is to help make sure that we have a productive professional relationship, and that we avoid any conflict stemming from not being on the same page about these important matters. This document is a work in progress and may be edited. And this … Read More “I can serve on your graduate thesis committee. Here’s what you can expect of me, and what I expect in return.” »

Help support a new shark science and conservation exhibit in Maryland!

Posted on By David Shiffman
Featured, Science

The Natural History Society of Maryland is redoing their public exhibit halls, including a new exhibit on shark science and conservation. I’m helping them to design it, we’re fundraising, and we can use your help! The centerpiece of the exhibit is a shark diving cage with a fascinating history: It was used during the filming … Read More “Help support a new shark science and conservation exhibit in Maryland!” »

I’m offering a free online crash course in scientific writing and publishing. Here’s how to join!

Posted on By David Shiffman
Academic life, Exploration, Science

The world of scientific writing and pubilshing is complex and confusing, and it can be hard for early career scientists to master. But don’t worry! I am an experienced and award-winning scientific writer, reviewer, editor, and writing instructor, and I’m here to help! I am offering a free online crash course in scientific writing and … Read More “I’m offering a free online crash course in scientific writing and publishing. Here’s how to join!” »

“Twitter sucks now and all the cool kids are moving to Bluesky:” Our new survey shows that scientists no longer find Twitter professionally useful or pleasant

Posted on By David Shiffman 3 Comments on “Twitter sucks now and all the cool kids are moving to Bluesky:” Our new survey shows that scientists no longer find Twitter professionally useful or pleasant
Blogging, Education, Featured, Science

My colleague Dr. Julia Wester and I have a new paper out in the journal Integrative and Comparative Biology reporting on the results of a survey distributed to over 800 scientists, science educators, and science communicators. I presented these results at the 2025 Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. Our study confirms a trend that’s … Read More ““Twitter sucks now and all the cool kids are moving to Bluesky:” Our new survey shows that scientists no longer find Twitter professionally useful or pleasant” »

I’m presenting at the 2025 Ecological Society of America Conference! Come say hello.

Posted on By David Shiffman
Blogging

I will be attending two days of the 2025 Ecological Society of America conference, and I’d love to meet you (or catch up) while I’m there! But because I’m not attending the whole meeting, and because ESA is so big that you can’t really hope to randomly run into someone there, I’m writing up where … Read More “I’m presenting at the 2025 Ecological Society of America Conference! Come say hello.” »

Why would a serious scientist agree to participate in a nonsense Shark Week show?

Posted on By David Shiffman
Uncategorized

Tons of Shark Week shows are full of obvious pseudoscientific nonsense, and yet feature real scientists. Why would these people agree to do that? In my capacity as “Shark Week’s Biggeset Critic,” I’m asked this question a lot, and while I can’t speak for others and their decision-making processes, based on what colleagues have told … Read More “Why would a serious scientist agree to participate in a nonsense Shark Week show?” »

Considering writing a popular science book? Here’s my advice

Posted on By David Shiffman
Blogging, Featured

Following the success of “Why Sharks Matter,” lots of colleagues have asked me if I think they should write a popular science book, or how to approach it. I’ve shared various of this advice in various social media posts over the years, but several people asked me to write it up as a blog post … Read More “Considering writing a popular science book? Here’s my advice” »

What Ocean Ramsey does is not shark science or conservation: some brief thoughts on “the Shark Whisperer” documentary

Posted on By David Shiffman 5 Comments on What Ocean Ramsey does is not shark science or conservation: some brief thoughts on “the Shark Whisperer” documentary
Blogging

Netflix has a new (sarcastic air quotes) “documentary” out about Ocean Ramsey, who longtime readers and followers know is a serial wildlife harasser who also coordinates massive online harassment campaigns against scientists and conservationists who criticize her. In 15 years on social media, I’ve never gotten more (or nastier) harassment then when I criticized her … Read More “What Ocean Ramsey does is not shark science or conservation: some brief thoughts on “the Shark Whisperer” documentary” »