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'Is Anyone Here A Marine Biologist?'
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Hello folks and welcome to Correlations! I'm a marine biologist at Duke University's Nicholas
Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions and also share The Intersection
with Chris Mooney.
I've spent time in
Congress as an environmental advisor to Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and also had
some fun as a radio personality. My specialty is the ever charismatic sea cucumber,
though my principle interests lie more broadly in conservation of
species across landscapes... How do we humans impact systems
biologically, socioeconomically, and politically? Thus, I'm
a generalist and currently focus on the way science is communicated to
the
public and policymakers. I'm excited to
be here and expect this will be a great forum for sharing ideas
and hopefully turning some on their head in the process with all of you.
Tell people you're a marine biologist and you usually get one of two reactions... 'I wanted to be a marine biologist when I was little!' or 'You probably never hear this but, ever seen that episode of Seinfeld with George?' [For the record, yes I've seen it.] As your resident marine science blogger, I'll begin by pointing out some fascinating and troubling links between climate change and oceans. Expect upcoming posts taking on several frequently asked questions about my field: Is sea level rising? What is ocean acidification? Do my personal choices matter in terms of conservation? And what the heck is all the hullabaloo over sea surface temperature and storms? I also have a tendency to foray into areas like women in science, explore the ways in which we frame our messages, and occasionally get up to some mischief in the process. Regardless of the topic, I always have lots of fun. That and more, so stay tuned!
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October 3, 2007 1:10 PM
artie
Welcome to wired. I will look forward to hearing your wisdom and knowledge delivered in --what it sounds like -- your whimsical ways. P.S. I missed that episode of Seinfeld.
October 3, 2007 1:28 PM
Greg
Welcome!
I'm looking forward to lively discussions about important current issues, especially those involving cucumbers (both of the fruit and sea persuasion).
October 3, 2007 3:03 PM
D
Glad to see you're here. I enjoy your posts at The Intersection so expect I'll be a regular here.
October 3, 2007 3:12 PM
Linda
I look forward to reading and learning more from your writings.
You have a unique wit, and always seem to get to the heart of the matter.
I wish you and all your co-bloggers all the best.
October 3, 2007 6:10 PM
Eric
Your informative posts at The Intersection are always a joy to read, so I'm looking forward to your new site.
October 4, 2007 7:43 AM
Elliot
Hello Sheril,
I am a semi-regular over at asymptotia (Clifford's blog). I am not a marine biologist but am interested in the a couple of things that "correlate" marine biology with climate issues. My particular interests are whether algae are a viable/better source for bio-fuels than land based agricultural products and also there were some experiments a few years ago where iron was added and generated significant algal activity which might have a potential impact on climate issues.
Any insights would be appreciated. This blog looks like it will have a number of potentially interesting intersections of expertise and I am looking forward to the learning opportunity.
Elliot
October 4, 2007 9:16 AM
Sheril Kirshenbaum
Thanks Elliot. Iron fertilization is certainly a topic I have lots to say on. Great suggestions!
October 5, 2007 9:04 AM
Josh
Sheril,
When I saw the title of your post I started raising my hand but then I realized it read 'Is Anyone Here A Marine Biologist?' and not 'Is Anyone Here Hungry For Fish Sticks?'. Funny how the mind plays tricks...
Congratulations on your fist Wired blog posting! I'm looking forward to many more!
Josh
October 9, 2007 12:55 AM
marina
Nice image... that from the Pacific ... the Atlantic? ... elsewhere? I went into the "women in science" debate following your link. Alas, so many observations and generalizations, ... some comments reminded me of that saying: "when talking about a picture, your description is informing more about yourself than about whatever lies in the picture"... It was great fun reading though! still, would love it if certain guys would also cite the relevant research info when talking about "essence" of this and "essence" of that... in particular when stating a generalized "bias" whatever it may be. Of course then someone could present an alternative "relevant research" from a different perspective... which is what makes science fun. Enjoyed reading!
October 11, 2007 8:03 AM
definedfury
the future and past of our planet is decided by small and large ocean dwelling creatures
alas though, we shall someday live on a planet with no wildlife other than parasitic insects hovering over our brains with a proboscis slurping ravenously in enjoyment that we were so stupid to destroy our home and they are so grateful we developed theirs
what should i do about it?
for one - i dont drive a car
two, i generate my own electricity by causing a mechanism to generate voltage passed through a circuit to increase amps and gives me in infinte sources of enjoyment thus causing no pollution
i recycle my own garbage into bio fuel reproducing the enzymes into reheatable food!
and lastly - i generate income through the internet thus not creating a paper trail or any real need for a monetary system
end result? the outside world of marine and land wildlife can flourish through no external influence of human destruction...
such a utopia could not of course exist simply due to the fact of our social creative needs and domineering goverment establisments consisting of businesses hoping only to make larger pockets
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