Ever dreamt of adventuring around the world researching and discussing subjects you’re passionate about? This fantasy has become a regular routine for Srishti Dasarathy, a UNC-CH student who continues traveling across the country to present her marine science research.
Year: Senior
Hometown: Apex, NC
Major: B.S. in Biology
Minors: Marine Science & Chemistry
HC: What did your research project involve this summer?
Srishti: I was researching fin whales, which are large baleen whales, meaning that they eat by filter feeding. To be more specific, I was trying to determine why fin whales were present in the Bering Sea looking at two specific locations. After analyzing their calls and determining their presence from the months of May 2012 through September 2013, oceanographic data such as ice, chlorophyll and temperature were integrated with the calling data. Through correlating their presence with these different oceanographic parameters, it became possible to give an explanation for why the whales were in an area at a given point in time.
HC: What was it like living in Seattle over the summer?
Srishti: Seattle was a ton of fun! I stayed with really wonderful family friends, and to be honest, I fell in love with the area because of the beautiful city and mountainous landscape. The people were incredibly nice and the weather was mostly pleasant. I even had the opportunity to take hiking and camping trips around the neighboring national parks. The food was also delicious!
HC: Tell us about the Alaska Marine Science Symposium. How were you selected to present?
Srishti: Through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ernest F. Hollings scholarship program, I was given the opportunity to submit the abstract from my summer 2015 research project to different conferences/symposiums of my choice. I found out about the Alaska Marine Science Symposium through my project mentors. I sent in a research abstract with my application, which was accepted for presentation.
HC: How do you feel about being the only undergraduate selected to present at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium?
Srishti: I actually hadn’t realized that at the time of my presentation, but it feels good! I got an award from NAME (Northwestern Aquatic and Marine Educators) Group for being the only undergraduate, which is how I found out. It was an exciting opportunity and I was just excited to be in Alaska and be part of the community of marine scientists there. It was good to reconnect with my summer mentors.
HC: What was your favorite part about your trip to Alaska?
Srishti: Even though it was a very short trip (I was there for about 48 hours, 22 of which I spent travelling), I became obsessed with the extremely stunning, snow-capped mountainous landscapes. I didn’t get to do that much in Anchorage, but it was great to reconnect with my mentors and experience the beautiful city. There were also ice sculptures I took pictures with. You don’t get to see stuff like that in North Carolina!
HC: Which part of your research project interests you the most?
Srishti: Definitely the fact that I was researching fin whales and potentially answering questions about these really incredible animals. I’ve always loved animals, especially marine mammals, ever since I was a kid, so working at the National Marine Mammal Laboratory was an incredible opportunity.
HC: Are there any more exciting presentations coming up?
Srishti: Yes! I’m going to be at the 2016 Ocean Sciences Meeting in New Orleans and will be giving a poster presentation. I don’t know much about New Orleans, but I’ve heard the food is fantastic and that it’s a great city. I’m really excited to go there, communicate with other marine scientists and be part of that community.
HC: How do you feel about being a senior? Has any senioritis kicked in yet?
Srishti: I wouldn’t go so far as to say senioritis, I just like to think I’m managing my time more efficiently and have more free time because of it! Now that I think of it though, I guess senioritis has kicked in, it’s so surreal. It’s an adventure not knowing what’s next I guess!
HC: Do you have any advice for underclassmen?
Srishti: I can’t place enough emphasis on trying to determine something you’re passionate about and finding a niche at the university to satisfy it. As I was a freshman, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and found the Marine Science Department mostly out of luck. I got a research opportunity, ended up really enjoying it and was inspired by the people I worked with. My past research experiences at UNC-CH opened the gateway to the opportunities I’ve had. I think it’s important to find that initial spark of curiosity and pursue it because there are so many resources at Carolina to achieve what you want. Work smarter, not harder, because it’s very easy to get bogged down with work. Talk to professors and research advisors because they will become important when you’re looking for references for jobs or even when you need friends to talk to. There are so many people here that want to help curious students, so just go after something!