ASC Shark Squad – Meet Gretchen!

Our next volunteer profile is Gretchen! Gretchen is from Sharon, Wisconsin and now lives in West Palm Beach, Florida, where she is in her senior year of college and acts as ASC’s Outreach Manager (among many other duties).   

Have you always been interested in sharks?

I didn't have much of interest as a kid other than fear, but I became intrigued by them in my late teens.

Other than researching and saving sharks, what are your favorite hobbies?

I enjoy kickboxing, swimming and reading.  

Why do you care about sharks?

We are only scared of things that we don't quite understand, and people tend to lean towards the misconception and the story told in the media. However, sharks are incredible, and the fate of our marine ecosystems depend on them.

Why do you like being part of ASC?

I enjoy working with a group of kick-ass ladies who also find immense joy in all things science, shark and ocean.

What is your favorite shark and why?

Blue sharks because they are super playful and curious.

What shark would you like to see in the wild?

Greenland or Megamouth!

Were you ever scared of sharks?

Yes, for many years. Not anymore. 🙂

Have you faced any challenges in your journey in shark and ocean conservation?

Research can sometimes be really brutal, and you may doubt yourself every single day. But understanding what it is you're fighting for and working really hard to make a positive influence can make all the difference.

Regarding sharks and conservation, what would be your dream job? I enjoy all aspects of sharks and conservation, and I would be more than happy with any job or position in the field.

2 Responses

  1. I love reading your profile. I want to become a shark bigolost and I love hearing stories of other scientists that decade their lives to change people views about sharks. I agree that the media tends to make the sharks the enemy. I really hope that the American Shark Conservancy helps to chance people views about sharks and help save them.
    • Hannah Medd
      Thanks for reading! We hope these profiles show people how different and varied the people are behind the work we do in hopes to encourage them to pursue their dreams of making a difference! Best of luck on your journey to becoming a shark biologist!

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