Dylan Metcalfe

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

I am pursuing a career in research diving. I have a specific interest in jellyfish, although I am fascinated by all marine fauna. I am also very motivated in exploring the depths of the ocean. My limited exposure to marine environments has primarily revolved around the Pacific Ocean, and I anticipate that while I will continue to travel the globe to where personal and scientific interests take me, the Pacific Ocean will remain my primary location of research and exploration.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

The first time I envisioned having a career in diving was around the time the movie Titanic was released. I was a young child, most fascinated by the real underwater shots of the sunken RMS Titanic itself. I spent months researching the ship, and what we have discovered from it since its demise and even found a scale model of the ship on display at a local library. Around the same time, I discovered that scientists had only explored about 5% of the world's ocean floor. I had decided then that I would someday contribute to the rise of that percentage. As I had grown up, I had always kept a healthy interest in the ocean but had generally forgotten about my passion for diving. At 14 years old my life changed in a very big way and related to that I gained an obsession with jellyfish. I had pursued a number of other careers, again none relating to the ocean at all. I did however spend several years working as a heavy equipment operator and spent three years on a tunnel boring machine (TBM) where there was occasionally the need to use compression chambers for repairs. My role when this happened was primarily supporting the diving team since this construction compression was nearly identical to the physiological changes to the body when deep sea diving. This is the closest to deep sea diving that I have ever gotten. 

When the pandemic began, one of my mothers was nearing the end of her life due to cancer. During one of our bucket list excursions, I had gotten into a lively conversation with a whale-watching tour guide, all inspired by my large jellyfish tattoo. Afterward, my mother asked me "When are you going to become a jellyfish scientist?". I was already established in my Heavy Equipment Operating career and was shocked by her question. She reminded me that, while the careers that I have had in my life have all served me well, I had never lit up when talking about them the way I did while talking about the ocean with this stranger. She passed away later that year, and I was faced with a sudden change in my career that forced me to make an 'all or nothing' type of decision in continuing my construction career. 

Very long story short, my entire life has been leading me and preparing me to become a really awesome deep sea diver who joins the research efforts in discovering a new treatment for cancer that derives from jellyfish.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My chosen family has been the largest advocate for me. They have collectively contributed to my ability to pursue every avenue of interest I have had. From filmmaking to teaching, hair styling to art, and now the sciences. I couldn't be more lucky. Most recently, I have had a lot of my teachers encourage me and support me in my interests in ocean science. The most relevant being Professor Kaatje Kraft who had gone out of her way to ensure that I was both aware of this program specifically and supported in applying. She has been one of the many instructors that I have had at Whatcom Community College that have been instrumental in my progress and success over the last two years of being here.

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

I have been closely following research advancements made in Spain, regarding the infamous 'Immortal Jellyfish' also known as Turritopsis dohrnii (T. dohrnii). This jellyfish has the ability to go back in its life cycle, reverting back to its larval stage after reaching sexual maturity, repeatedly. This is currently the only known animal to have this ability, extending its lifetime significantly and potentially exponentially. Its ability to defy what we know about the life cycle of the cell has baffled scientists. It was only recently that scientists in Spain successfully mapped its genetic code by comparing it to its closest genetic relatives without the same ability. 

I'm fascinated by this research and hope to get involved in more to advance this science to adapt its ability and apply it to other organisms. In the future, it may be possible to extend the research to humans for pharmaceuticals and combating catalogs of diseases like the many types of cancers that we experience. It 

How did you get involved with the Nautilus Exploration Program?  

I enrolled in the elective course Oceanography at Whatcom Community College taught by Professor Dr. Kraft. Over the course of this class, Dr. Kraft became a notable resource for my education and professional endeavors. She later strongly encouraged me to pursue participation in the STEMSeas program which is happening aboard E/V Nautilus.

What other jobs led you to your current career? 

I have been a heavy equipment operator for several years. This work has contributed to my ability to work with large teams all with fairly specialized backgrounds coming together with a common goal. Prior to that, I was a teacher of graphic arts, filmmaking, and a mentor for countless other creative types. I currently work on campus in the Media Center helping maintain machines as well as assisting students, staff, and faculty with equipment on campus. 

I worked as a hairdresser and a professional childcare provider, and have long-standing experience with customer service and relations. I have a strong belief that any person who successfully pursues a career in the customer service industry is the real celebrities in this world.  

What are your degrees and certifications?

I'm working on my first degree now.

What are your hobbies?

Art! I am extremely creative. I love everything in fiber arts. I enjoy digital art, such as filmmaking, and graphic design. When I have access I enjoy 3D printing and designing. I also spend a lot of my 'free' time lately building my own tiny house on my shared homestead. I also enjoy volunteering and being an art advocate and support for other artists. I currently volunteer for the largest international art festival (of its kind) where I get to celebrate the vast types of mediums and their creators.

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

If you discover a career that seems interesting to you, first discover what it is that is required to become that professional. I am a strong advocate for doing deep dives into free online career resources. Don't worry about WHO you see in that field especially if you don't find others you can relate with, but rather how you get into the field so you can carve the path.