Briefly describe your job and your area of expertise.  I am responsible for all of the aquaria in the Bolla, including the 110,000 gallon Amazon Flooded Forest exhibit. I also take care of the freshwater stingrays and several other freshwater displays throughout the aquarium. I am especially interested in the cultivation of aquatic plants and spend a lot of my time trimming and fertilizing. I also care for the African penguins and bats a couple of days per week and spend at least a couple of hours diving. 

What got you interested in becoming a Biologist? My parents were always encouraging me to spend time exploring outdoors and, from an early age, I became fascinated with the diversity and complexity of ecosystems. 

What do you like most and least about your job? I love everything about my job and wouldn’t want to be doing anything else!

What college did you go to and what degree did you receive? I have a BSc in Biology from Georgetown University with a concentration in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior.

What influenced your job choice and when? Destiny.

Do you have pets at home? What and how many? I have a dog named Marmot, a snake named Cousteau, and two fire-bellied salamanders named Flotsam and Jetsam.

Advice for someone wanting to go into your field. Hone your skills by maintaining aquaria at home, get a good science education, volunteer to gain experience, and don’t be afraid to get dirty!

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