Over-educated and Underfunded
Weird, wacky and wonderful stories and sketches from biologists in the field.
By Vincent DiringerBiology is a fairly broad section of science encompassing everything from the study of cells to cladistics as well as conservation and astronomy. Such a vast multitude of majors also entails a similarly large and varied array of pathways leading towards them. All Paths Lead to Biology is a series by the Broke Biologists delving into the stories of how biologists have arrived to where they are and what drives them. “I’ve always been passionate about sciences,” Marine Pietri explains to me, “from Physics to Biology, I’ve always enjoyed understanding how the world I live in works.” Driven by her curiosity, the Frenchwoman decided to pursue a career in medicine but she quickly came to realize that she was being drawn to a different path entirely, and decided to put her studies on hold. Unsure on where to channel her attention, she visited multiple schools and researched different programs until she finally found one that spoke to her, “When I was being explained the several majors available - this one came up as an evidence to me: the SKEMA Business School’s Bachelor’s in Business Administration specializing in Management of the Marine Environment. Its basically, marine biology with a bit of management and communications skills.” “I feel like science needs to be accessible to anyone, as it is the most important pathway to save our planet." Diving straight into the coursework, Marine’s interest in the ocean deepened. This connection grew, and she began to feel the need to share her marine biology knowledge to a wider audience, advocating for better marine management plans and teaching. Blending these together with her soon-to-be-finished BBA, she hopes that she will be able to promote sustainable marine practices across businesses as well, “I really enjoy linking Marine Biology and entrepreneurship. That was something I wasn’t comfortable with at all before, but I learnt that if you wanna change the world for real, you have to know about money and take it into account!” Still eager to learn more about marine biology and how to better link it to sustainable development, Marine has earmarked a Masters in Science, Conservation & Valorization of Marine Resources at Université Côte d'Azur - however, the self-starter isn’t setting limits on herself, “I am working with the Mare Vivu association on the CorSeaCare mission. We are a group of engaged young people, and we go on a sailing trip all around Corsica - a small island in the Mediterranean Sea - to gather as much scientific data as we can on a various range of things from plastic pollution to bioacoustics and plankton.” Enabling her to put her skill set to good use, the mission also promotes environmental education and grassroots, community-led involvement, Marine continues, “I also work with the Earthship Sisters program, which is a 100% feminine leadership program, taking action for women to launch their environmental project. I really love the values and core concepts of these two, and I am so glad I can do my part by helping them - and they help me a lot too!” As a biologist keen on promoting social change and advocating for sustainability, Marine is hoping that the future presents her with a slightly different project that could help her reach a larger audience: documentary filmmaking. “I feel like science needs to be accessible to anyone, as it is the most important pathway to save our planet. My ambition is to raise awareness and help escape the classic mentality of ‘You’re guilty whatever you do, and it’s never gonna be enough’, environmental issues are much more complex than this and we won’t achieve anything by saying that. Anyone can make a difference.” Are you a budding biologist eager to tell your story? Drop us a message and we will be happy to share!
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About the AuthorsThese stories come from several biologists working in the field around the globe. Archives
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