Learn more about Sarah and her current research on spotted seatrout
and redfish.
Degrees
B.S. Biology, Washington and Lee University,
2001
M.S. Biological Oceanography, University of South
Florida, 2005
Experience
Immediately following college, I worked in the genetics group at
FWRI in St. Petersburg for about a year. My project was to
determine the influence of aquaculture on the Cedar Key hard clam
population genetic structure. It was a great experience because the
research was exciting and I worked with a fantastic group of
biologists.
I left my FWRI job to intern at Mote Marine Laboratory because I
wanted to gain experience at a different type of research
institution before I had established a focused career direction.
Plus, I grew up in Bradenton with Mote being a prominent force in
our community. I even attended marine biology camp there as an
8th grader! I had an action-packed two month internship
with the Center for Shark Research. I intended to stay for another
four months but my dream job suddenly became available back at
FWRI…
I love fish. Always have! When a position opened in the fish
biology group at FWRI, I jumped at the chance to research spotted
seatrout reproduction. I was fortunate to get the position and I've
spent the past nine years working with a great team on spotted
seatrout, snook, and recently, redfish.
What are you working on now?
Spotted seatrout
We are collaborating with our FWRI genetics group on a 3 year
project in which DNA samples taken from a large residential
spawning aggregation are matched against those taken from juveniles
captured throughout Tampa Bay. Our goal is to determine the
magnitude and distribution of this one large aggregation to the
rest of the Tampa Bay population.
Our research has focused on three major aspects of spotted
seatrout reproduction:
(1) Where they spawn: to identify essential spawning
habitats and required conditions
(2) When they spawn (daily and seasonal): to
determine spawning frequency
(3) How much they spawn (fecundity): to calculate
output and estimate sustainability
To address these questions, we have multiple projects that use
different gears to gather the appropriate data. In order to
determine life history parameters such as age and fecundity, we
conduct traditional capture studies where we fish with nets and
sacrifice the captured trout. Because trout males aggregate and
produce sounds when they spawn, we are able to use underwater
microphones to identify spawning habitat and associated parameters
(such as depth, temperature, salinity). After we find spawning
aggregations, we deploy specialized sound loggers that constantly
record sound. From these recorded spawning sounds, we can
determine when the spawning season starts and ends, the duration of
daily spawning, and if/how spawning is connected to tides and the
lunar phase.
One of my favorite methods involves acoustic telemetry where we
capture spawning trout and perform a little surgery to implant a
transmitter in the abdomen of the fish. This transmitter sends out
a signal that is detected by underwater receivers and we are able
to get really interesting information about how often individual
fish spawn. Ultimately, we are able to construct a comprehensive
picture about the Tampa Bay trout population because we have
studied these fish from multiple angles with a variety of
complimentary techniques.
Redfish
We know redfish form large spawning aggregations in offshore areas
during the fall but have many questions associated with the spatial
aspects of their reproduction and how it may impact population
growth. A few of the questions include: assessing the number and
distribution of spawning aggregations, locating the area(s) where
these aggregations move to actually spawn, and determining if fish
exhibit fidelity to certain spawning sites within the same spawning
season and across years, We are using aerial surveys, passive
acoustics, and acoustic telemetry to begin to tackle these key
reproductive questions.
Was work in your current field your original career
interest? Why or why not?
I grew up on the water and have always loved the Gulf and
fishing but hadn't considered marine biology as a career until
speaking with a friend's parents who are both marine biologists. It
was senior year of college when I had a change of heart about
pursuing medical school and began brainstorming alternative careers
in science. I was encouraged by their enthusiasm and I'll
never be able to thank them enough for launching me on this
path.
What would you say is your biggest
accomplishment?
It's simple, but I think it would be feeling like I've found my
spot in the world (at least for now!). I really enjoy my work and
feel like I am also giving back to an environment that has given so
much to me. When I participate in research that moves the field
forward, it really is a great feeling and all those little moments
add up.
What do you like most about your career?
Feeling like every day I am working on research that will
hopefully benefit the fish, the ecosystem and the fishers of this
cool little part of the world. I am lucky that my work is both
intellectually and personally gratifying. I also am fortunate to
work with a great group of people who all share the same enthusiasm
and love for research-it's a great environment to be in.
What do you like least about your career?
Honestly, this question is taking some work to answer! It's a
bit ugly to mention but the only drawback is the limited
compensation. I doubt there has ever been a biologist who imagines
they'll be making a large salary but it's a challenge to
continually be fiscally creative!
What are some of your biggest challenges?
My biggest challenge is balancing the different aspects of the
job, especially during the field season. When the fish are
spawning, we are on the water a good bit and it's easy to shelf
data analyses and writing. Typically, the winter provides time to
focus on the laboratory and paper work but it really needs to
happen all year- it is a work in progress for me to make that
happen.
What advice would you give to someone interested in
pursuing a career in your field?
Intern and/or get a summer job at a research lab to get a
realistic idea of what the work involves. Spend time reading
scientific literature and attend lectures to broaden your knowledge
of the field. Take a scientific writing course. Take statistics
courses. As an undergraduate, participate in professorial research
and if provided the opportunity, present research at
conferences/meetings and coauthor a paper. Those actions would make
you competitive right out of school.
These days it is pretty much a given that graduate school needs
to eventually be part of your plan. My supervisor gave me the
following advice that I found helpful: decide what your
professional goals are immediately, in 5 years and in 10 years to
try and help you decide what degree is appropriate.
Once you've found that great job, make sure that you find a
great mentor. I am fortunate that my supervisor happens to be that
person for me. Having someone who is willing to teach, challenge
and support you insures that your work and thought processes are
constantly evolving and resulting in solid research. Plus, it does
wonders for your overall happiness!
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