Briefly describe your job and your area of expertise. As Assistant Curator, I am responsible for the care and management of the Aquarium’s living collection and associated exhibits, holding areas and life support systems.  Specifically, I work with the tropical and temperate salt water systems within the Aquarium.

What got you interested in becoming a biologist? Swimming and my fascination with the ocean initially drew me to Marine Biology.

What do you like most and least about your job? I truly enjoy working with the large diversity of organisms at the Steinhart within a staff of talented individuals.  As for my least favorite, there is not enough time in the day to enjoy the other parts of the museum that I don’t work with intimately and therefore don’t normally see. 

What college did you go to and what degree did you receive? University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology.

What influenced your job choice and when? My degree for obvious reasons and then my move from the East Coast to the West led me to apply for employment at the California Academy of Sciences.

Do you have pets at home? What and how many? Currently I just have a couple of fresh water fish in a relatively small tank.

Advice for someone wanting to go into your field. Look for volunteer opportunities within the field to enhance your knowledge and get your foot in the door.

More about Seth