“Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!”
Dr Michelle Caputo is a recipient of the IMarEST’s David Henderson Inspiring Journey Grant and joint affiliated postdoctoral scientist at Florida International University and Rhodes University in South Africa.
1 Tell us about your early career
I’ve had great support from mentors at Rhodes University and Florida International University (FIU), who encouraged me to pursue every opportunity that sparked my scientific curiosity. I’ve explored tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, including Madagascar and the Caribbean Sea, learning more about the role cetaceans (whales and dolphins) play in the ecosystem.
2 What is your current role?
I’m a post-doctoral research fellow working with Prof. William Froneman under his South African Research Chair in Marine Biology, joint affiliated to the Marine Conservation Ecology Laboratory at Florida International University with Dr Jeremy Kiszka.
3 Describe what the job entails
My research centres on understanding the role of cetaceans and other marine predators in their environments, especially in food webs. I use biochemical analysis of animal tissues (skin, muscle, blood, etc.) to understand the interactions between predator species that co-occur and their prey.
This ecological information is important in predicting how resilient top predators may be to changes in the ecosystem and to understanding interactions between these animals and human activities. I currently have projects in Madagascar, St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and St. Pierre-et-Miquelon, France.
I also mentor and supervise. I help run a field course sending US students from diverse backgrounds to international locations to learn about methods in marine research. This year, our research group went to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where no previous research had been done on cetaceans, to figure out which occur there and the habitats they use. We worked closely with local partners to better understand the importance of ocean resources, including cetaceans, to the people of this island nation. This research was supported by the David Henderson inspiring journey grant and profiled on the IMarEST Instagram account.
4 How did you get to where you are now?
A sense of adventure, a willingness to say yes, and enthusiasm for what I do – that’s how I ended up with the amazing opportunities I’ve had. And lots of great mentors helped guide me to where I am.
5 What inspired you to join the industry – and why?
At the age of eight, I joined a field naturalists’ group in my hometown, which started my fascination with nature and desire to learn more about the world around us. Throughout my career, I remind myself of this fascination to refocus and be inspired in my research.
6 Who influenced you in choosing this industry?
I’ve always loved the water. Ocean, lakes, rivers, you name it and I’d explore it. My family vacations usually centred around a body of water of some sort. Once I was shown that I could study those systems as a career, there was no going back.
My undergraduate advisor, Prof. Steven Cooke, introduced me to the study of aquatic systems and animals. During my Masters, I did an internship with Prof. Janine Adams, an estuarine ecologist in South Africa, and she had the vision to see that estuarine work was not going to be my passion. She encouraged me to participate in cetacean research, which led to my PhD and has shaped my career.
7 Why did you want to become a marine biologist?
Most kids in my generation had the “I want to be a marine biologist” phase, high-fiving killer whales or making dolphins do flips. We had no idea what marine biologists did, and that it was much more interesting than dolphin training. As I got older, I realised that marine biology would mean I could spend my life exploring the ocean, learning more about the creatures that live in it and the habitats they use.
8 What are the biggest changes you are seeing right now?
Climate change doom and gloom is the main focus in many academic circles, especially in conservation research. If I focus on the positive - since the end of whaling in the Southern Ocean, there’s been a 9-11% increase in whale populations and more and more whales come by the South African coast on their way to breeding grounds in Mozambique every year. This direct result of conservation action is a reminder that we can still affect change even as anthropogenic impacts continue to put marine habitats and animals at risk.
9 And the challenges?
We need to increase diversity in marine science, and we’re not doing enough. One of my goals is to train young women from diverse backgrounds in marine biology and conservation ecology.
10 Who do you most admire?
There are so many. I admire people and groups that encourage curiosity and respect for nature through community led initiatives.
11 Tell us about your involvement with the IMarEST and what you get out of it.
I was very fortunate to be awarded the IMarEST’s David Henderson Inspiring Journey Grant in 2020. Unfortunately, the pandemic meant I had to adjust my plans and postpone/move my journey but the IMarEST was very understanding and allowed me to defer the grant to this year, 2022.
12 What’s the best career advice you have been given?
“Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!” – Miss Frizzle, The Magic School Bus.
13 What advice do you give to those starting out their careers?
Be confident in what you know, but always be willing to change your mind.
14 What's next for you?
World domination...
Oh, and learning what I can about the marine world by continually asking questions and being curious.
Dr Michelle Caputo is a joint affiliated postdoctoral research fellow at Florida International University and Rhodes University in South Africa.
Read more about the David Henderson Inspiring Journey Grant and learn about 2022's recipients, Sancha Conroy Holroyd and William Jones (Flying Fish).