Jeanette Pirlo

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

I specialize in reconstructing ancient ecosystems through stable isotope geochemistry to develop food webs. I spend a large portion of my time in the field, searching for new fossils to better understand the past lives of ancient animals. From these fossil finds, I determine the interactions between the different species by analyzing the chemical composition of their teeth, comparing them to each other and looking for differences between the species which tells me the kinds of foods they ate. Alongside the paleo research, I spend a lot of time working to broaden representation in STEM fields by involving students in research, and authentic science activities. Many of my students are interested in translating their work into more accessible communication formats to better engage their communities.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

If you were to ask me what my superpower would be, I would say being able to breathe underwater, like sharks. I was fascinated with the ocean and knew that delving into its mysteries would be my career. That is, until I found my first fossil, and then I was hooked on ancient life and how it could inform modern times. I began my journey as a paleontologist when I moved to Florida for graduate school, learning about geology and how our planet and oceans were formed. There is so much left to explore from ancient worlds to modern ecosystems.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

Although my parents did not have a former education, they always supported my academic pursuits. They did not understand my research, but they knew it made me happy and that I was engaging my community in understanding the world around them. In graduate school, I met mentors who were supportive of my research and career dreams and provided me with the tools necessary to achieve those dreams. Apart from their support, my mentors also spoke to my strengths and the skills I needed to further develop to continue on my path. My mentors were instrumental in my success, as they helped me see past my imposter syndrome and recognizing that I was competitive in my field.

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

The most fascinating portion of my work is that when I find a fossil, I am the very FIRST person to EVER hold this animal. This bone that has been hiding for millions of years is now available for us to better understand the world it lived in. The only portion of my work that is more exciting than finding a new fossil is taking students out into the field and seeing their joy and wonder in finding a fossil. Paleontology sparks the imagination, and seeing that spark in my students makes all the hard work to get to my position all the more worth it.

How did you get involved with the Nautilus Exploration Program?  

Applied for the STEMSeas program as a guest educator after learning about the program from Dr. Lisa White. We are excited to come onboard Nautilus for the program.

What other jobs led you to your current career? 

I've traveled a unique path to my current position. I did not have the financial stability to volunteer for research opportunities during college and held several non-academic positions. The most formative experience was my time at the YMCA. I worked in various positions from child care, to camp counselor, to office supervisor. Working at the Y reinforced how much I enjoyed working with my community. I also worked in several customer service positions, teaching me patience, and excellent listening skills which are the basis of great mentoring skills which I use with my students. I also worked as a high school educator and academic peer counselor, working with a predominantly Spanish-speaking community and helping students formulate their post-high school plans. In the last year of my undergrad, I was able to squeeze in a couple of science-related experiences, exposing me to various fields of research and gaining new skills. I developed maps of islands that were under threat from invasive species; helped identify and dissect freshwater fishes from Africa; and worked with non-releasable marine mammals for research and education purposes. During the year between my undergraduate and graduate work, I was a research assistant at a natural history museum. I learned how museums and collections work, how fossils make their way from the field to display and research, and how to conduct research. All of the skills I gained from my unconventional path left me well-equipped to handle the rigors of a research and academic career. I understand how institutions of higher learning work, as they still operate like businesses. I developed and practiced the skills necessary to effectively mentor students through my various work experience and I developed diverse communication skills to disseminate my work to different audiences.

What are your degrees and certifications?

PhD of Biology, concentration in Vertebrate Paleontology, University of Florida, 2022; Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology, University of California Santa Cruz, 2016; Associate of Science, Monterey Peninsula College, 2014

What are your hobbies?

I love weight-lifting, hiking, reading, and napping. I also enjoy developing fiction about my cat and the adventures he gets into.

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

Figure out what excites you the most about marine science, and pursue it. Take any opportunity that comes your way. Apply for everything because the worst thing that can happen is they'll say no, but what if they say yes?! Importantly, remember to ask for help. Reach out to the people that are doing the work that you are excited about and ask them how to get involved. Find good mentors, the ones that point out your strengths and support your dreams.