We asked each of our scientists to give us their thoughts on their professions and what they think the future holds for humanity.

What would you recommend for students wanting to pursue a similar career?
Careers in marine biology generally demand a strong background in several supporting fields. My studies focus on the physiology and biochemistry of marine animals, so one entering this line of study must not only learn a lot about marine life, but also obtain training in basic physiology and biochemistry. Additionally, it is a really good idea to spend time at a marine laboratory where, both figuratively and literally, one gets an in-depth acquaintance with marine life. These sorts of experiences, e.g., a summer course at a field station, often make all the difference to a student thinking about a career in marine biology.

What do you like best about your profession?
Two things. One is the fascination with the phenomena we study. There is always something new popping up and demanding investigation. I've been extremely fortunate in having had the opportunity to work in "exotic" environments where organisms face relatively extreme conditions and have evolved remarkable adaptations to these stresses. I did my PhD thesis work in Antarctica, at an early stage of the US Antarctic research program. Later, after becoming a professor at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, I had the chance to work at deep-sea hydrothermal vents. The adaptations of the organisms from these diverse habitats absolutely fascinate me. In fact, I plan to return to Antarctica next year to pick up on some loose ends from my PhD work – done 40 years ago.

The second thing that I most like about my career is the interaction I have, day in day out, with interesting people, including colleagues, graduate students and undergraduates. I can't imagine a more stimulating social context in which to live.

What makes you most fearful for the future?
The flip side of my answer to the [next] question: Many people (and maybe all of us, in fact) seem programmed to believe most strongly only what they (we) want to believe, often for the most selfish of reasons. The apparent acceptance of erroneous and intentionally misleading books, news reports, etc. to the effect that the environment is without problems due to mankind's activities are too readily accepted by a public more interested in maintaining a massively consumptive life style than in examining what their mode of living is doing to the planet. Hearing what one would like to hear doesn't make the message true. Yet by hearing the same lies and distortions repeated again and again, "truth" seems to be established in people's minds. I'm not convinced that people have the time, energy or inclination to question the 20 second sound bites they may hear on cable "news" channels and dig deeply enough into key issues to see what's really going on.

What makes you most hopeful for the future?
There are young people growing up who can see through all of the distortions thrust upon them by the media, notably the misinformation we're currently flooded with to the effect that "everything is just fine with the environment" and we needn't worry a bit about global warming and, rather than be discouraged by the hard truths they perceive, instead muster the energy to "fight the good fight" and help make the planet a better place (or at least slow down the rate at which the biosphere is being degraded).