Alice Chou

Tell us about your work/ research. What kinds of things do you do?

I am currently the Education Manager at the Mystic River Watershed Organization, a local environmental non-profit dedicated to making our watershed a safe, healthy, and accessible natural space for all residents (human and otherwise).  

Scientifically, I consider myself a marine neurobiologist: someone who sits at the intersection of marine biology and neuroscience. I am most curious about how animals (especially crustaceans!) sense the world around them, and how their nervous systems work to generate appropriate responses.
 

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I have always loved sharing knowledge and figuring out how things work. In college, I pursued a degree in neurobiology because I was curious about how brains worked. Although I spent many days at the Monterey Bay Aquarium as a kid, I didn't realize I could be *both* a marine biologist and a neuroscientist until I spent part of my undergraduate studies at the Bodega Marine Laboratory. There, I met amazing scientists who opened my eyes to the unseen parts of the ocean that don't make it to big exhibits. I ended up pursuing a graduate degree studying crustacean sensory systems (mantis shrimp!), which was the perfect way to combine my background in neuroscience and my passion for ocean life. I would chat all the time about these topics to people I met, which eventually led me to a full-time career in informal science education and outreach.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

I fully credit my parents with encouraging me to follow my curiosity. One is a teacher, and the other is a scientist, so some might say that I ended up combining their careers! I have also had some incredible mentors along my science journey: Sukkrit Nimitkul, Tom Cronin, and Eve Marder, just to name a few. Every single one of them has provided valuable insights, patience, and expertise that led to my current work.

What element of your work/ study do you think is the most fascinating?

My favorite part of this career is connecting with learners, getting to know what makes them curious, and sharing my own scientific experiences. Everyone has so much to share and I feel lucky to be a small part of their joy. In some ways this complements my research background in sensory ecology really well. Understanding the perceptions of others (human or otherwise) is central to learning more about the world.
 

How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?

An alum of the fellowship gave a presentation at a conference I was attending. Five minutes into his slideshow, I knew I had to apply!

What other jobs led you to your current career?

To be honest, I haven't had many jobs since I spent so many years in school. The ones I have had (research assistant, teaching assistant, tutor) were all science or education adjacent. However, I am really proud of the work I've done to combine my hobbies and career! A few years ago, during graduate school, I was a guest scientist on a variety of video game podcasts and livestreams (including one on ocean exploration), which really emphasized to me how much I loved connecting science to everyday life.
 

What are your degrees and certifications?

Doctor of Philosophy in Biology -- University of Maryland, Baltimore County 2021

Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior -- University of California, Davis 2013
 

What are your hobbies?

I am a first-class hobby hopper; I love to try new activities! The ones that have really stuck and continuously bring me joy are cooking, reading, and swimming. I also spend a lot of my weekends at a pottery studio making hybrid vegetable-animal creatures inspired by biological adaptations.
 

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

Be intentional about understanding what motivates you. Not only will this help accomplish your goals, but it will also make the journey more enjoyable and fun.