Jasmin is a marine biologist specializing in elasmobranch ecology and evolution. Her past research interests include smalltooth sawfish movement ecology and hammerhead shark phylogeny. She is a co-founder and president and CEO of Minorities in Shark Science ( MISS). She is a member of the American Elasmobranch Society and served on their Student Action Committee for two years. Jasmin completed internships with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Fort Johnson Marine Lab, and FWC Division of Marine Fisheries Management. She worked as an instructor for the Saturday at the Sea program through the Florida State University Office of STEM Teaching Activities. Jasmin is passionate about science education and making science more accessible for everyone. She is excited to join the MarSci-LACE project and help open doors for more underrepresented minority students to join the exciting field of marine science.
You can follow her work on X ( Twitter) and her website
Make sure to check out her recently published book, Sharks Don't Sink
You can also watch her WEBINAR to learn more.
1. What is your favorite shark, and why?
Bonnethead sharks because they are cute, they were the first shark discovered to be omnivorous and they were the first shark I ever got to work with on a scientific survey.
Image Credit: MISS
2. If you could see/study/swim with any shark, what would it be and why?
I would love to study pretty much any deep sea shark because they are super cool and we don't know a lot about them. Plus a lot of them glow in the dark and that's rad.
3. Can you tell us a little about your current research? I'm currently working on a project to understand who the harmful algal bloom, Florida Red Tide, impacts sharks.
Jasmin assisting with a scientific workup during a research trip with the Field School Credit: MISS
4. What inspired you to study sharks?
I love that they have been on this planet a really long time. I think there is a lot we can learn from an animal who has managed to survive all this time with very little changes in the grand scheme of things.
Jasmin with a baby smalltooth sawfish Credit: FSU Coastal and Marine Laboratory ( all sawfish research done under permit)
5. What advice do you have for students interested in a career in marine science/shark science?
Follow your curiosity, and don't be afraid to talk to people about your interests. If there is someone doing stuff you think is cool, tell them. If you have a question, don't be afraid to ask it. You never know where it may lead.