3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Misa’s Answer
Hi there!
If you have some background in computer science, you are almost guaranteed to be valued in any biology-adjacent research field, including marine biology. From what I know, a lot of people go into research with none to minimal dry lab (computer science) skills, and it's crucial for someone in the lab to be able to perform statistical analysis or to adequately use publicly accessible databases. If you already have that skill, that's one less thing that they need to teach you, so you will be one major step ahead of a lot of people in the field. This applies to both field-based and lab-based research, the type of data might be different, but the programs and softwares used should roughly be the same.
For instance, if you are looking at a population of a specie and your project is to follow their growth rate or migration pattern, there is always going to be some numerical / quantifiable data that needs to be analyzed and made into a table, graph, or some form of computer-based graphic. The ability to 1. Run stats for that massive data set 2. Navigate through softwares to create those graphics 3. Explain to other people how those things work will get you further in academia than you think you would.
I hope this helps!
If you have some background in computer science, you are almost guaranteed to be valued in any biology-adjacent research field, including marine biology. From what I know, a lot of people go into research with none to minimal dry lab (computer science) skills, and it's crucial for someone in the lab to be able to perform statistical analysis or to adequately use publicly accessible databases. If you already have that skill, that's one less thing that they need to teach you, so you will be one major step ahead of a lot of people in the field. This applies to both field-based and lab-based research, the type of data might be different, but the programs and softwares used should roughly be the same.
For instance, if you are looking at a population of a specie and your project is to follow their growth rate or migration pattern, there is always going to be some numerical / quantifiable data that needs to be analyzed and made into a table, graph, or some form of computer-based graphic. The ability to 1. Run stats for that massive data set 2. Navigate through softwares to create those graphics 3. Explain to other people how those things work will get you further in academia than you think you would.
I hope this helps!
Updated
Laird’s Answer
Research positions with some of the Universities such as University of Miami (Florida) or NOAA or Scripps Institute. Just follow one of ultimate pioneers in the marine sciences…. Robert Ballard or Jacques Cousteau.