What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

When I was in high school I worked in a store in Cleveland that sold recreational, outdoor gear. I learned a lot about good business from the owners. They emphasized customer service and made sure the staff was well-informed about the merchandise we sold. To that end, they provided a collection of gear called the "toy box" that employees were encouraged to "test drive" on our days off. The idea was that the more familiar we were with the merchandise, the better prepared we'd be to advise customers. I remember the owner reminding us one Saturday morning before the store opened, that his was fundamentally a toy store for grown-ups. Our job was to help customers choose the best toys for their purposes, not necessarily the most expensive items. I admired his philosophy of doing right by the customers. It reflected a vision that cultivating the respect and loyalty of the staff and customers was in the best long-term interests of the business. This memorable lesson underscored the critical role integrity plays in both professional and personal endeavors.

What inspired you to choose your current field or the position you currently hold?

After eight years in oceanographic research, I yearned to convey to people outside my field a deeper understanding and appreciation for the earth and ocean sciences. I decided I could best do this by seeking opportunities to do outreach and education, to write and talk about ocean science topics in language understandable and compelling to non-specialists.

Why would you encourage other women or young women and girls to choose careers in your field? What advice would you give someone who wanted to choose your career?

As funding for scientific research becomes more difficult to get, too few traditional academic positions will be available to accommodate all graduates. So many young scientists will need to explore non-traditional, non-research jobs. Apart from that, there is the unrelated issue of job satisfaction. Research isn't the ideal course for every scientist. A woman or man who loves science and particularly enjoys turning non-scientists on to science might want to consider a career in what I call scientific interpretation - bridging the communication gap between academics and lay people.

There are several recommendations I might offer to someone interested in science outreach:

• Become a specialist in some scientific field. Do research. Get a Ph.D. The foundation of knowledge and practical experience you acquire will help you interact with scientists as a colleague rather than an outsider.
• Develop first rate writing and speaking skills. Take advantage of opportunities to practice. Write articles for the local newspaper, speak to school groups and civic organizations.
• Be prepared to create your own job. You may not ever come across an advertisement for the type of job you want. It may become necessary to develop your own projects and get your own funding. You may wind up with several part-time, temporary jobs rather than one full-time, permanent job.

What motivates or inspires you on a daily basis in your field or job?

I'm not inspired every day, and I know few people who are. Every so often I get really excited about a creative idea, for instance a clever new way to convey a complex concept in words, visually, or by example. And sometimes I get really inspired by conversations with colleagues.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?

The most fun part of my job is that I get to dabble in all sorts of science outside the area in which I was trained. Few scientists get to do this, and some consciously avoid it. But I just love exploring areas I know nothing about.

Why is your field or industry important to society?

Researchers often can't or don't take time to tell those outside their field what they do and why they do it. They typically use language that's difficult for those outside the field to understand. Yet many people are keenly interested in scientific discoveries, especially those that shed light on how the world works. It's useful to have scientists who are dedicated to communicating with general audiences, to serve as interpreters for the research community.

What is your vision for your industry's or field's future? What are some of the exciting things to watch for in your field or industry?

Based on the increasing interest in popular science publications and TV shows and the emphasis on improving pre-college science education, I think there will be more and more opportunities for scientists to build careers in outreach.

What values are the most important to you and what do you value in others? How do you prioritize these values in your daily life?

Compassion, passion, flexibility, creativity, trustworthiness, integrity, honesty, fairness, vision, and an appreciation of humor are important to me. I realize not all of these are considered values; they are qualities I value. I admire them in others and strive to cultivate them in myself. I don't consciously set out to prioritize these qualities each day. I do try to bring the appropriate ones to the fore as needed in completing my work and interacting with others.

What do you think are the most important character traits to develop in order to succeed professionally?

Persistence and creativity are particularly important. Developing the ability to use criticism and even rejection to improve the quality of one's work can help a person survive and succeed. This is true in many life endeavors, not just science or science outreach. Creativity can help one overcome obstacles, find alternative solutions to challenging problems, and stay positive.

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire and why?

I don't have a hero. I think having heroes is a dangerous business. It's particularly unfair to the person one casts in that role. I've had many mentors over the years, among them a junior high school volleyball coach, a high school biology teacher, and several professors in college and graduate school. I don't currently have a mentor, although there are a number of colleagues I respect and admire to whom I go for guidance. In the same vein, there is no one person I most admire. Each of us has strengths and weaknesses. I admire many individuals, some whom I know personally, and others about whom I've read or heard.

What is your favorite book and why?

I've had many favorites over the years, but no enduring favorite. I really like Anne Morrow Lindbergh's "Gift from the Sea", first published before I was born in 1955. It's full of wisdom, speaks particularly to women, and draws heavily on oceanic images.

What book would you recommend to someone who knows nothing about your field or industry but would like to know more about it?

That's a tough question. As a scientist, I'd probably suggest any one of a number of good college-level texts on marine geology. As a communicator, I'd recommend that people read the weekly publication "Science News". The articles showcase new scientific discoveries and make them meaningful to non-scientists.

What technology has changed your life professionally or personally for the better?

A medical/pharmacological development about 10 years ago has allowed me to stay healthy and professionally productive.

What are your future goals?

In the short-term, I'd like to focus my professional skills and energy in one main job, rather than working in the diversity of fields I'm involved in currently. In the long term, I want to identify and pursue a sequence of projects that will both challenge and satisfy me. I also want to train our wonderful golden retriever to be a therapy dog.

What do you do to relax?

I love to spend time with my husband, Peter, and our dog, Dashi. Dashi takes us on several mile-long walks every evening after work. If we're really good, he also takes us to the beach to play with the furry people there. A couple times a week, I handcraft multigrain yeast and sourdough breads. I tend a modest organic vegetable and herb garden. I make awesome homemade ice cream. Peter and I both enjoy preparing and eating gourmet food accompanied by good wine. Fortunately we're both blessed with high metabolisms.