In this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, co-hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert dive into an engaging conversation about living in Honduras and the allure of island life, especially for diving enthusiasts. They introduce their guest, Ivy Baremore, a newly minted PhD with extensive experience as a fisheries observer and work with the National Marine Fisheries Service. The hosts express their excitement about Ivy's career journey, particularly her move to Belize, and the various life changes she's experienced, including her recent marriage and navigating her PhD studies. Tune in to discover more about Ivy's fascinating adventures and insights into marine life and fisheries.

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Dr. Ivy Barrymore's journey into marine biology and shark research is a compelling narrative that highlights the importance of early experiences and hands-on internships in shaping a successful career in the field. From a young age, Ivy exhibited a passion for marine biology, a dream ignited during childhood vacations to Dauphin Island, Alabama, where she spent time searching for shark teeth. This early fascination with the ocean laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.

Ivy's academic path began at Florida State University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree. During her undergraduate studies, she seized an internship opportunity with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which proved pivotal in her career. This internship provided her with practical experience in marine research, working on a project that involved analyzing mackerel otoliths (ear bones). The hands-on experience she gained solidified her interest in marine biology and equipped her with valuable skills for her future roles.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Ivy continued to build her experience as a biological technician for NMFS in Panama City, Florida. This role allowed her to engage directly with marine species and deepened her understanding of the complexities of marine ecosystems. Her work involved monitoring shark pupping and nursery areas, further fueling her interest in shark research.

Ivy's journey took another significant turn when she pursued her Master's degree at the University of Florida, focusing on the angel shark, Squatina dumerale. Her master's research was closely tied to her work with NMFS, as she leveraged the data collected during her time as a technician. This integration of academic pursuits with practical fieldwork exemplifies the importance of hands-on experience in marine science.

Following her master's degree, Ivy returned to NMFS, where she continued her work in shark research for nearly a decade. Her role involved coordinating fisheries observer programs, providing her with further opportunities to collect biological data essential for stock assessments. The experience she gained during this time was invaluable, allowing her to collaborate with established scientists and contribute to significant research projects.

Eventually, Ivy made the bold decision to move to Belize to work with Mar Alliance, a nonprofit organization focused on marine conservation. This transition marked a new chapter in her career, where she could apply her skills to address complex marine issues in a different context. The flexibility and creativity offered by working in a nonprofit environment allowed her to explore new research avenues, particularly in deep-sea fisheries.

Throughout her journey, Ivy's commitment to hands-on experience has been a driving force in her career. Her internships and practical roles have not only provided her with essential skills but have also shaped her understanding of marine biology and shark research. As she pursued her Ph.D. at the University of Exeter while working full-time, Ivy's ability to integrate her research with her professional responsibilities further underscores the importance of experiential learning in marine science. Her story serves as an inspiring example for aspiring marine biologists, emphasizing that hands-on experience is crucial for success in this dynamic and ever-evolving field.

The Journey of Dr. Ivy Barrymore in Marine Science

Dr. Ivy Barrymore's journey in marine science is a fascinating tale of passion, perseverance, and adaptability. Her story begins with a childhood fascination with marine biology, sparked during family vacations to Dauphin Island, Alabama. Despite growing up landlocked in Arkansas, her love for the ocean deepened when her family moved to Hawaii during her sophomore year of high school. This significant transition not only exposed her to the marine environment but also solidified her desire to pursue a career in marine biology.

Education and Early Career

Ivy's academic path led her to Florida State University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree. During her undergraduate studies, she interned at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which became a pivotal experience in her career. This internship allowed her to work on a project involving mackerel and otoliths, providing her with hands-on experience in marine research. After graduating, she continued her journey with NMFS, where she worked for several years before returning to graduate school to obtain her Master's degree at the University of Florida, focusing on the angel shark.

Her master's research was particularly noteworthy as it addressed a significant gap in knowledge regarding the angel shark, a species listed as prohibited due to insufficient data on its population status. This project not only contributed valuable data to NMFS but also set the stage for her future endeavors in marine science.

Transition to Belize and Mar Alliance

After nearly a decade of working with NMFS, Ivy faced a crossroads in her career. Despite her extensive experience, she found herself in a position with limited opportunities for advancement. This prompted her to explore new avenues, leading her to a job opportunity with Mar Alliance in Belize, a nonprofit organization focused on marine conservation.

The decision to move to Belize was not without its challenges, especially as she had just gotten married. However, the prospect of working in a dynamic environment where she could apply her skills to new and exciting problems was too enticing to pass up. In Belize, Ivy quickly adapted to the challenges of conducting research in a remote location, gaining invaluable experience in logistics and fieldwork.

Pursuing a PhD

While working with Mar Alliance, Ivy also pursued her Ph.D. at the University of Exeter. This unique opportunity allowed her to continue her work in marine science while advancing her education. The structure of the Ph.D. program in the UK, which did not require her to be on campus full-time, was particularly beneficial for her situation. She was able to balance her responsibilities as a researcher and a mother while completing her doctoral studies.

Ivy's research during her Ph.D. focused on deep-sea fisheries, an area that had previously been underexplored in Belize. Her work not only contributed to the scientific community's understanding of these fisheries but also aligned with Mar Alliance's mission to promote sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation.

Conclusion

Dr. Ivy Barrymore's journey in marine science exemplifies the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities. From her early fascination with the ocean to her impactful research in Belize, Ivy's career is a testament to the diverse paths one can take in the field of marine biology. Her story serves as an inspiration for aspiring marine scientists, highlighting that with determination and the right opportunities, one can make significant contributions to the understanding and conservation of our oceans.

Pursuing a Ph.D. can be a strategic career move, particularly when it aligns with one's professional goals and offers flexibility in managing work and personal life. This is exemplified by Dr. Ivy Barrymore's experience as she undertook her part-time Ph.D. while working at Mar Alliance.

Alignment with Professional Goals

Ivy's decision to pursue a Ph.D. was not made lightly; it was a calculated step toward advancing her career. After spending over a decade working with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), she reached a point where there were limited opportunities for advancement. Despite her extensive experience and a master's degree, Ivy found herself in a position where her title and pay did not reflect her qualifications. This realization prompted her to explore options that would allow her to grow professionally.

When she joined Mar Alliance, she was encouraged by Rachel Graham to find a research focus that she was passionate about. This support was crucial as it allowed Ivy to align her Ph.D. research with her work at Mar Alliance, specifically in the area of deep-sea fisheries. By leveraging her existing knowledge and experience, she was able to create a research project that not only contributed to her academic goals but also benefited the organization.

Flexibility