Sam Garson

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

I am responsible for the coordination of all of the Ocean Exploration Trust's education programs. We offer Science Communication Fellowships, Science and Engineering Internships and an Honors Research Program. I get to review all of the applicants and interview selected candidates. It's great to meet everyone that is excited about coming out on Nautilus and talk with so many people about their passions for ocean exploration. Once we select all of our candidates I help ensure that everyone is prepared for their time at sea, including our weeklong Science Communication Workshop held at the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I have been involved in Marine Science from an early age when I began SCUBA diving and fell in love with the ocean. I studied Marine Science at the University of Miami in Florida and then found my love for education while substitute teaching in Miami-Dade Public Schools. I began working with the Ocean Exploration Trust as an "Educator-at-Sea" and found the program so impactful and amazing that I took a full time position with the trust to help bring the experience to others. 

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My science teachers in high school were really encouraging and made science really fascinating. I also had a lot of influence through SCUBA diving around New England. 

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

I find the different pathways that people have on Nautilus amazing. There are so many different ways to be involved with STEM and ocean exploration that it's great to hear people's stories.

What other jobs led you to your current career?

I've had a lot of different opportunities in education and striving to bring real world science to my students has lead me to many different opportunites, from working in an infectious disease lab at Children's Hospital in Seattle to the Nautilus.

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor of Science in Biology and Marine Science- University of Miami 2005; Master's of Education -- Harvard University 2007

What are your hobbies?

I love cooking and spending time with my family. I also love spending time outdoors, hiking, being on the water rowing, kayaking or swimming.

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

If you want to pursue a science career then I would suggest taking advantage of all the opportunities and classes you can. The more diverse your foundation in science the more opportunities you will be able to take advantage of later in life. Don't worry about having to pick one pathway early on, but put yourself in a position to be able to choose many pathways down the road. I didn't know I wanted to pursue education until I found myself in it after college, but I was fortunate to have such a broad undergraduate career that I was able to take advantage of some amazing opportunities to help me get where I wanted to go.