Marine Science Folks,
As my first year as MSI Director comes to a close, I want to thank everyone who has supported me and believed in my leadership — especially the MSI staff who have had to teach me everything but have shown patience and kindness the whole way. It has been a remarkable first year, to say the least. I have been so impressed by the work of our researchers, project scientists, faculty, postdocs, and students.
What’s more, I’ve been privileged to meet many of our donors and contributors, people whose financial support has been instrumental in keeping our work relevant, thriving, and innovative. Everyone’s deep dedication to our mission of revealing and relaying the wonders of our coasts and oceans inspires me every day.
Clearly, this year has also come with significant challenges. I doubt any of us predicted the intensity and variety of assaults on science and higher education that we have seen in the last few months. Yet, while the world of scientific research has been thrown into uncertainty, I am certain we can persevere when we work together. The MSI community is resilient, just like many of the ecosystems we study. For sure, we will face continued difficulties, but we must keep fighting for our values, conducting impactful marine science, and supporting those people and places who have less privilege and voice.
To demonstrate just how resilient and… well, just darn awesome… we are, from now on, I will highlight some of the scientists we host and support at MSI, starting with our early-career researchers. These stories are not just about their fundamental or solutions-based research but about the humans themselves — their visions, struggles, and heroic efforts to persevere no matter the challenges.
Again, thank you for a wonderful first year, and as always, I hope you will reach out to me if you have ideas, concerns, or just want to talk about the ocean and how we can facilitate doing the best and brightest science.
— Becky
EARLY-CAREER RESEARCHER PROFILE:
CHRISTIAN JOHN
Cosmic and Land–Sea Connections
Sometimes, scientific careers are shaped as much by curiosity and chance as by careful planning. For MSI postdoctoral researcher Dr. Christian John, one such moment came through a strange yet wonderful coincidence.