How/when did you first become interested in marine animals?

I have always loved the ocean. My family and I went to Cape Cod, MA, each summer for vacation and I grew up in CT and went to the beach whenever possible. I have always loved animals … I actively participated in Vo-Ag and FFA in high school, worked at a veterinary clinic and raised chickens in my backyard. But, it wasn't until the summer after my sophomore year in college that I realized I could merge my love of animals with the ocean into a career.

What are some experiences you remember when you were young that may have influenced you?

(It seems I have answered part of this above …) Vividly, I remember walking the beach with my dad or sitting on the dunes watching the water. Learning about currents and the animals we saw from my dad. I remember picking up shells with my mom and creating designs with them. I remember all the animals we had growing up and I remember my experiences on various farms.