Tagging Sharks with Jackson

Transcript

Let’s head over to the docks at JU’s Marine Science Research Institute to meet Jackson. He’s a graduate student in the Marine Science program who’s been fin-to-fin with great white sharks. That’s amazing. JU is the exclusive academic partner of OCEARCH, one of the largest shark tagging and research organizations in the world. It’s all yours, Jackson.

– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everybody. My story begins as a toddler when I told my parents that I loved sharks. Now over two decades later, I get to work with them up close at Jacksonville University’s Marine Science Research Institute, and it’s partners with OCEARCH. OCEARCH helps scientists collect data on the oceans, while open-sourcing their research. It’s also one of the largest shark tagging organizations in the world. OCEARCH and its partners have tagged hundreds of sharks and other marine animals, and JU students get the opportunity to experience this firsthand. I actually met my advisor on an OCEARCH expedition while I was helping a family friend collect data on white sharks. After that meeting, I began my master’s thesis with JU’s Marine Science Research Institute, and have been on two additional OCEARCH expeditions. During one of the expeditions, I worked with JU’s aviation drone program to find potential white shark habitats. Jacksonville University has definitely opened up huge opportunities for hands-on experience and up close encounters. I’m working alongside my professors to gather data that benefits the global scientific community and builds healthier oceans. I’ve also been able to network with leading scientists at national conferences and events. JU has been absolutely crucial for helping me build my professional and scientific foundation. Next up for me, I will be working for the federal government as an ecologist, which will eventually bridge into a PhD. And surprise, surprise, you can guess what I’ll be focusing on. White sharks. The future is a bright one, so as the great Sylvia Earle says, “Best fishes.” Back to you, Alex.

– Talk about experiential learning, that’s incredible. It’s amazing to see what an impact you can have before even graduating, and how cool to see the collaboration with JU’s drone program to help find sharks from the air. Brilliant. Thanks again, Jackson. Upon graduation, our Dolphin grads set out to make an impact on their world.