Over 15 years of ocean science and conservation online
I am excited to be attending the upcoming Sharks International conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka! If you’re attending, I’d love to chat with you about your work. Here’s how to find me. This photo of me at Sharks International 2018 in Brazil is now my official Amazon author photo. (I donated that costume to a … Read More “I’m coming to Sharks International! Let’s chat!” »
This week, Maryland became the first U.S. State to have an official state shark! Otodus megalodon was a really cool shark that is rightfully beloved by many, and Maryland’s Calvert Cliffs are a major source of Megalodon fossils of this awesome animal (which is definitely and unequivocally super-duper extinct). I wanted to join in the … Read More “Fun facts and FAQs about Megalodon, Maryland’s new (and definitely extinct) official state shark” »
I defended my Ph.D. on April 1, 2016. Ten years later, I’m not where I thought I’d be, but I couldn’t be happier with how things turned out. My original goals If you had asked me on April 1, 2016 what career path I had planned after I finished graduate school, my answer would have … Read More “Reflections on science and my role in it, ten years since my Ph.D. defense” »
“Is there any technology the left is excited about?” This question was asked on social media this week by a supporter of AI who was frustrated by criticisms of that technology. It’s led to some interesting discussions on Bluesky, and I wanted to answer it from my perspective as an ocean conservation scientist and policy … Read More “Here are some ocean conservation technologies that I’m excited about” »
Some, as they say, personal news: I’m getting married! I’d love to use this happy occassion to spread good news around. To that end, if you’re so inclined to make a donation “in honor of David and Eileen getting married,” here is a list of some great charities I love, and some instructions on how … Read More “I’m getting married! Want to honor us? Here are some great charities you can donate to.” »
The Important Shark and Ray Areas project is coming to North America! Colleagues, if you think your data suggests that you’ve identified an Important Shark and Ray Area in your study site, here’s how to submit your data and participate. So what exactly is an Important Shark and Ray Area? In short, an Important Shark … Read More “Here’s how to help identify Important Shark and Ray Areas in North America!” »
2025 was a great year for my public outreach! Among other things, I was selected as a Sigma Xi distinguished lecturer (starting in 2026,) won the American Fisheries Society’s Excellence in Public Outreach Award, and was honored as one of the people most shaping policy in Washington, DC by Washingtonian Magazine. Here are some of … Read More “2025: My year in writing, public speaking, and media interviews” »
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.” »
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.” »
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!” »
