How did you end up in the field you are in today? Who are some of the people you look up to or admire?
In high school I began to develop an interest in science, especially biology. I decided to major in biology when I entered college and by my sophomore year decided to switch majors to marine biology. In my junior year of college I was hired as a student worker on a professor’s research project, which allowed me to focus my studies. I really enjoyed my educational experiences in the estuaries and wetlands while employed as a student worker. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Marine Biology and right away decided to pursue a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Aquaculture/Fisheries Management. After my M.S. degree I worked at a university for a while before going back to school for my final degree, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Marine Science. I have been employed by Nicholls State University for nearly 30 years and I presently hold the rank of Distinguished Service Professor in Marine Biology.
I have been fortunate to know many dedicated scientists that have inspired me through the years. Reflecting back on my 30-year career, several people stand out. I remember Dr. Green, a scientist who had polio when he was a young man and who needed leg braces to walk. Dr. Green taught me that success is measured by a person’s determination and will to succeed. I remember Dr. Harris, the professor who hired me as a student worker; he taught me the importance and respect for nature and the water. I remember Dr. Avault, my M.S. degree professor, who taught me the importance of effective communication by taking complex science topics and stating them in such a way that everyone could understand. Finally, I remember my fellow students with whom I attended school. Their friendships taught me the importance of cooperation and teamwork as ingredients for success.
What research/work projects are you currently involved in? How do you conduct your research/work and what tools/technology do you use? How does math factor into your work? What have you learned so far?
I am currently working on several research projects, all of which focus on oyster ecology and on how commercial fishermen will need to respond to a changing fishery as our coastal wetlands disappear. One research project investigates how oysters will live, grow, and reproduce in low-salinity waters. Another research project investigates how oystermen presently harvest their oysters for market and how their harvest methods may need to change as our coast changes because of wetlands loss. A third project involves investigating how oysters may successfully attach, grow and become reefs on different types of man-made concrete structures used along a marsh shoreline to control wave erosion.
My students and I collect our research data by piloting a 24ft-long aluminum boat into the estuary and using a 2ft-wide oyster dredge (shaped like a rake) dragged behind the boat to harvest oysters. At each oyster collection site we use an electronic instrument to document the water’s salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen levels. The water information is later mathematically correlated with the growth and survival of the oysters. The collected oysters are put on ice and transported back to Nicholls State University’s campus and stored in a refrigerated walk-in cooler until analyzed. Oyster analyses consist of documenting survival, growth and reproduction using weight scales, microscopes and ovens. All of the data is later entered into a computer for mathematical analysis and interpretation. A camera is always with us to document field and laboratory efforts. Eventually we will present the data at scientific meetings using pictures, video and computer equipment.
Our research has shown that oysters can live in low-salinity (< 5ppt) waters for several months during cold winters, but when water becomes warm during summer the same low-salinity can kill oysters within a few days. Oysters in low-salinity waters grow slower and reproduce less, thereby requiring a longer time for oysters to reach commercial size for harvest. In high-salinity (> 15ppt) waters oysters grow faster and reproduce more, but predators are more abundant and young oysters cannot survive for very long. There is a delicate balance between too little and too much salinity in the water for oysters to survive and become a commercial product for oystermen to eventually harvest. This is why oysters survive well in estuaries where fresh and ocean waters mix to create that environmental balance.
Where have you traveled for your work? What's the favorite place you've been so far? What was the strangest or most incredible thing that happened to you while conducting your work?
My travels have been in many coastal areas of the United States. My favorite visited place (other than the swamps and estuaries of Louisiana) was in Maine where I spent two weeks at the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Laboratory located on the Damariscotta River Estuary, a very beautiful place.
A memorable time on the water for me while conducting research was my encounter with a 12ft alligator. I was collecting water samples to take back to the university for chemical analysis (nitrates and phosphates). I collected each sample by putting my arm down into the water up to my elbow and opening a bottle. One evening just before dark, I was alone in the boat collecting a sample when I felt that someone (or some thing) was watching me. When I looked up there was this big head in the water two feet from my arms with two big eyes staring at me. I quickly pulled my arms out of the water as the alligator swam by and flicked its tail at me. After that day I lowered all of my bottles on a stick and kept my arms well above the water.
What were your favorite books as a kid? Why?
There are four books that I really liked as a kid (and still do!). Three are by Mark Twain, “Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” “Adventures of Huckleberry Fin,” and “Life on the Mississippi.” I enjoyed reading about the troubles and adventures of Tom and Huck and often wished I had lived in those days. I enjoyed Twain’s way of describing life on the Mississippi in the 19th century. The fourth book that I really enjoyed was, “Call of the Wild,” by Jack London. London’s book is about a big dog named Buck who was kidnapped from his owner and sold to gold hunters and made to pull a dog sled during the gold rush days of the 19th century. Buck’s adventures were awesome.
What was your favorite subject when you were in middle school? What did you think you were going to be when you grew up? What advice do you wish someone would have given you at the time?
My two most equally favorite subjects during my middle school years were History and Geography. I also liked Science, but it was actually third on my list. I thought that I might want to be a history teacher or anthropologist when I grew up. When I was of middle school age, I wish that someone had given me more encouragement to learn about history and people outside of classroom assignments.
Why do you think it is important for students to learn about wetlands in general? Why do you think it is important for students to learn about Louisiana’s wetlands? What can we learn from studying this region?
I think that it is important for students to understand how wetlands are physically, chemically and biologically linked to our waters. Louisiana has more wetlands than any other state in the nation. Such a large and dynamic environment allows for many social, economic and biological lessons to be learned.
What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying science? What are some of the diverse careers associated with the work that you do?
A student who is interested in science should not be satisfied with learning only what a teacher and school expect. A student should strive to learn as much about every subject that they have some interest in. The more a student is exposed to the many diverse fields of science, the better that student can make an informed future career choice.
A career in marine science can be very divers. Disciplines such as chemistry, physics, geography, geology, mathematics, biology and many others can be developed as a career in marine science.
When you are not working, what do you like to do for fun?
I like to fish and I like to work in my flower garden.
Any final thoughts, words of advice, personal philosophy?
Always be willing to ask why and to look for an answer. Always be willing to put out extra effort.