The following is an excerpt from the original article, written by Ashley Cahill for LEO.
In this recurring column, Not Your Typical Gig, we interview people with out-of-the-box careers to get a glimpse of what goes on behind-the-scenes of their unusual jobs.
This week we sat down with shark expert Candace Fields, the first black woman marine biologist to be featured on National Geographic’s Sharkfest, whose area of expertise specializes in the study and preservation of white-tip sharks. Her special, World’s Biggest Hammerhead, is currently streaming on Disney Plus.
Name: Candace Fields
Occupation: Marine Biologist
How long have you worked with sharks as a marine biologist?
I’ve been working with sharks roughly four years. My path to a career in marine biology was an unconventional one. In fact, I earned my bachelor’s degree in neuroscience. However, in 2018 I began working as an intern at the Cape Eleuthera Institute in Eleuthera, The Bahamas and remained their research assistant until 2020, where I gained most of my experience working with sharks.
What made you want to become a marine biologist? And what was it about sharks specifically that made you want to make them your main field of study?
For as long as I can remember I have had a strong love and appreciation for the ocean. My parents often took me to the beach when I was younger and helped foster my understanding of how lucky I was as a Bahamian to have access to this incredible resource. I think most of my fascination is with the unknown and the many misconceptions that people have about the ocean and its inhabitants, especially sharks. All of this drove me to want to be a marine biologist, in order to be able to be an advocate for sharks and their conservation.
What’s the best thing about your job?
For me, the best aspect is the field component. When we’re out on the water and interacting with the animals, there is rarely a day where we return without numerous exciting moments!
Is there any advice you would have for anyone reading, that might want to get into this field of study and work?
I think the best advice I can give is simply to remember that it’s never too late, and that there’s more than one right way to find your way into this field.
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Read the full article on LEO.
