Biopsies, aerial drills and a personal pizza: a day in the life of a shark scientist
Jasmin Graham, a shark scientist and science communicator, also makes time in her day to practice her hobbies and play music bingo with friends
TL;DR
- Jasmin Graham is a shark scientist and science communicator based in Sarasota, Florida.
- Her morning routine includes waking up early, responding to emails, attending appointments, and practicing aerial arts like lyra, pole, and silks.
- She works with a nonprofit that creates theater shows about sharks, including an immersive experience about shark extinction.
- Graham is involved in grant writing for environmental organizations and co-chairs a coalition focused on protecting nature and promoting justice and access.
- Shark surveys involve catching sharks and stingrays to measure them, collect fin clips for genetic analysis, and take muscle biopsies to test for toxins like brevetoxin.
- Transmitters are implanted in bonnethead sharks to track their movements for up to three years.
- To unwind, Graham enjoys music bingo at a themed bar with friends and wins prizes.
- She prioritizes getting eight hours of sleep and relaxes by petting her dog and watching videos before preparing for the next day.