Jessica Smith

As a native Missourian, I grew up just about as far away from the ocean as you can be (500 miles!). However, the ocean has always fascinated me and as soon as I completed my BSc in Biology with an Emphasis in Ecology and Evolution from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, I headed to Dutch Harbor, Alaska to begin my career as a fisheries observer. After 2 years of braving the Bering Sea, I decided to come to the UK to get my MSc in Applied Ecology and Conservation at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, where I completed my dissertation on species interactions of deep-sea sharks and chimaeras off the coast of Scotland.

My time as a fisheries observer gave me the opportunity to work with many marine mammal species, including humpback whales, sea lions, and orcas. As a marine biologist as OSC, I strive to keep the ocean a safe place for these fascinating creatures through my expertise in marine mammal observation and research.

My favorite sea animal is the snailfish or the Port Jackson shark, though I love pretty much any creature slippery and slimy. In my free time, I like hiking, baking, and crafts.