How did you end up in the field you are in today? Who or what inspired you to pursue this career?
I started my professional career with the Marine Fisheries Division of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. I started as a Biologist Aide working in the Finfish Section. I transferred to the Marine Laboratory to lead the Finfish collecting unit. I was then promoted to lead the Coastal Study Area which was responsible for all of the Departments sampling in the Barataria Region for the States management Programs. In 1997, I became the Director of the LDWF Marine Biological Laboratory on Grand Terre and the Crustacean (shrimp and crab) Program Manager for the Department.
In 2000, I joined the LSU AgCenter/ Sea Grant Program in May 2000 as the Regional Coastal Adviser for Jefferson, St. Charles, St. John and Orleans parishes. I am also the Jefferson Parish Chairman for the LSU AgCenter Jefferson Urban Center. My work now primarily involves “Extension”; i.e. bring science and technology into the community.
I’ve always loved science. For my Masters research, I worked with a team of scientist on a baseline monitoring study of Lake Maurepas (I did the macro invertebrates). After that experience, I knew what I wanted to do.
My major professor was a great naturalist and worked for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries before he began teaching. He was also the first Director of the Marine Laboratory that I wound up spending over 10 years working at.
What research/work projects are you currently involved in?
I am part of the National Sea Grant Program, working as a science advisor for the Greater New Orleans area. I now work with coastal fisheries, economic development, urban, and environmental issues. Some of my current projects include: the Louisiana Marine Fisheries Museum in Lafitte, outreach programs for the Vietnamese commercial fishing community, turtle excluder devices, the development of artificial reefs in the lake and rehabilitation of the New Orleans City Park lagoon system, extracting collagen and other products from fish processing byproducts and composting shrimp processor wastes.
What do you like best about your job? What do you like the least? What are the most common misconceptions that people have about what you do?
Making good things happen that would not have. The aspect I like the least is negative people. The extension service is generally viewed (and rightly so) as “agriculture only”. My job has very little to do with farming (except crawfish, soft-shell crab and alligators), but sometimes ever other professionals pigeon hole entire groups without bothering to understand what we actually do.
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?
New York, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Destin, Boston, etc. as well and all over (and under) the Louisiana coast. By far the coolest place that I’ve worked is spending over 10 years on Grand Terre Island, former hideout of Jean Lafitte the Pirate. Diving offshore and looking eye to eye with a school of barracuda definitely got my attention. Crawling through the motes in Fort Livingston at night is something I’ll never forget. The most frightening experience was being caught offshore in terrible weather and just waiting for the boat to sink (it never did, but the feeling is gut wrenching).
What were your favorite books as a kid? Why?
The World Book Encyclopedia. I really enjoyed seeing all the different things in the world and trying to understand how things work.
What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
Actually, I never gave it a lot of thought in Grammar school and most of high school. My first year in college I spent in pre-med, but I didn’t like the competitiveness and high pressure attitude. Grades were not a problem, but the atmosphere really turned me off. I switched to Horticulture and Botany, and eventually settled on marine biology after working on a research project that would eventually turn into my Master’s research.
What advice do you wish someone would have given you at the time? To think about career options much earlier (I would have taken a few more statistics courses, and taken a Latin course)
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?
Wetlands are like islands in many ways, and they offer a unique setting to see interactions of living and non-living parameters. If someone can understand a small system and how these systems react to things like wet and dry periods, disturbances, etc, it is easier to understand larger processes. To me, the best time to see a wetland come alive is at night. It is almost magic to see all or of the animals in action that are mostly hidden in the day.
Louisiana wetlands are under so many different stresses, yet still maintain their viability. Louisiana Wetlands are so large that there are opportunities to see areas of growth (such as the Atchafalaya Basin) as well as some of the most rapid erosion rates on earth less than 50 miles away (Barataria Basin). It is a perfect laboratory to see first hand how humans can mess things up in such a big way by not respecting and working with natural sustaining forces. It also is the perfect place to see if we can reverse some of these catastrophic land and habitat losses with proactive projects engineered to treat the problem. If the Louisiana wetlands were a patient in a hospital, she would be in the emergency room on full life support systems. It is going to be extremely interesting to see how the citizens of Louisiana and the U.S. react to this crisis situation.
What one thing would you most like students to learn from participating in the JASON Wetlands Project?
To see, learn to use and apply the amazing resources that are available today (such as online, desktop GIS systems) that we could only dream about 10 years ago. We have such powerful tools at our disposal, but like any instrument (surgical scalpel, paint brush, etc) only in a properly trained hand can it do its best work. Also, to learn more about one the most amazing places on earth that as for the most part been totally ignored, even in Louisiana!
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?
Take Latin. Study a wide variety of subjects, because even if you specialize, having a broad understanding can help you solve specific problems by giving you more options. I deal with a lot of engineers, especially with restoration projects. Environmental organizations attract a diverse set of interests and individuals, from bird watchers, to bird hunters. The most interesting and challenging group that I work with is commercial fisherman and charter captains. They are on the water almost every day, and it is vital to be able to make these groups to understand why certain changes need to be made for their long term benefit. Without there support, it is almost impossible to effect any large scale, meaningful changes for the long term sustainability of the Louisiana wetlands.
When you are not working, what do you like to do for fun?
Canoeing, hiking, fishing, scuba diving and reading about natural history. I really enjoy traveling with my family.
Any final thoughts, words of advice, personal philosophy?
Don’t wait for a roasted duck to fly into your mouth. If you want something, go out and get it!