How A Shark Scientist Forged Her Own Path

In her book, marine biologist Jasmin Graham writes about uplifting young scientists of color and why she pursues research outside of academia.

Many kids dream of becoming marine biologists. But even folks who commit fully to studying life in the sea face a lot of barriers to entry in this competitive field—especially if they aren’t white and male.

Jasmin Graham has an unparalleled passion for sharks, but a few years ago she started to feel that the traditional path in academia wasn’t designed for her to succeed. Instead of giving up, she forged a path of her own. And now she’s bringing other young researchers of color along with her.

Guest host Rachel Feltman talks with marine biologist Jasmin Graham, co-founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) and author of Sharks Don’t Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Scientist.

Read an excerpt of Sharks Don’t Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Scientist.

Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.

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