Milan Sengthep

Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?

My background is in marine biology and am specifically interested in utilizing molecular methods like environmental DNA and metabarcoding to answer ecological questions and contribute to exploring our deep oceans. The Herrera Lab focuses on waters from 100-200 m down to 2000+ m mainly looking at corals and coral reef communities. We have study sites from the Gulf of Mexico, the Galapagos, Puerto Rico, and the East Pacific Rise. I have a happy time doing lab work and optimizing methods, being out in the field on research cruises, and playing around with data sets!

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

In middle school we did a career project and I chose marine biologist because I had an interest in science and I had recently seen the ocean for the first time. So I Googled ocean science and marine biologist was the first hit, and since then I've always had this interest in marine biology. The deep sea especially has been super fascinating for me because of all this mystery. We have so much to find out and I'm excited to be part of the story of exploring this final frontier!

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My science teachers growing up were really fun and encouraged me to follow my passions. My high school science and history teacher especially had a huge impact on my education. I felt like I was challenged to think in different ways and the critiques they gave were meaningful. The connections I made in my undergrad were also impactful. There was so many cool research projects that I got to participate in. I was able to make great connections with different professors, their graduate students, and fellow peers as well.

What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?

Having opportunities to go out on research vessels and do some really cool science. It's so great to know and feel like you are a part of something critical and amazing. The people I have met just in my first year of graduate school so far has been fortuitous and I am very grateful I have gotten to experience my first cruise as a first year student. I was able to dive down to 2500 m on HOV Alvin!!

How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?

My advisor Dr. Santiago Herrera has many great connections and through a collaboration with Dr. Annette Govindarajan at WHOI, I was able to be invited for this American Samoa cruise.

What other jobs led you to your current career?

I had undergrad experience in parasite monitoring of salmonids in the Klamath River at Oregon State University. This was my first experience with molecular methods and environmental DNA. During the pandemic, I was a lab tech testing COVID samples at Boise State University's clinical lab and was eventually promoted to lab supervisor. Here was where I got to experience sequencing methods and a bit of data analysis. From these experiences I was able to apply to graduate school and am currently working in the field of my dreams.

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in marine biology and a minor in chemistry from Oregon State University (2015-2019).

What are your hobbies?

I like playing video games with friends, watching anime, listening to podcasts, salsa dancing, and going to concerts.

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

Find passion in lab work and computer work. I think a lot of people think marine biology is just scuba diving and counting fish but those jobs are saturated and don't pay well. Biology is about bioinformatics and method development. Having these transferable skills will allow you to have more opportunities and can take you to whichever field you your heart desires.