Persistence and PVC Artistry with Liz Dutra

Today’s guest is Liz Dutra, marine biologist, ocean enthusiast and conservationist, entrepreneur, and artiste in the PVC realm. After earning her master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University, Liz found herself in a position a lot of marine biologists find themselves in: now what? After applying to several jobs, and not getting any, Liz turned to education and entrepreneurship. During this time, she never lost faith in her dream of becoming a marine biologist and working for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A few years later, her persistence was rewarded. This episode was recorded when the podcast was going to only be a blog (no audio), and Liz had accepted and was just about to start her dream job studying the effects of thermal stress and ocean acidification on endangered corals. Tune in to today’s episode to learn more about how persistence is key, and how there are so many options available if you want to help our oceans.

Quick Links
ArtSea
Ocean Kids
The Big Blue and You
Bachelor’s of Science (B.S.)
Master’s of Science (M.S.)
FAU
Dr. Koch’s Lab
Crustless Coralline Algae
Staghorn Corals (Acropora cervicornis)
Halimedea
Porites porites
South Broward High
Pigeon Key
AAUS Scientific Diving
Urban Farming Institute
The Grower’s Academy
The Dania Beach Patch
Funky Buddha Brewery
Invasive Species Brewery (Liz & her husband’s brewery)
Southern Hop Initiative
Central Caribbean Marine Institute
Rutgers University
Coral Health and Monitoring Program NOAA
Liz’s Paper

Show Notes
1:25 – What Liz did to get a job after earning her Master’s.
5:08: Liz’s describes getting her graduate degree studying ocean acidification and climate change
5:28 – How Liz got to live in the Cayman Islands
7:05 – how being a marine biologist can also make you a plumber
7:28 – getting paid to go to the Caymans!
9:12 – most important part of being a marine biologist
9:55 – what it means when you know you want to be a scientist
10:44 – trying different classes at university
10:55 – the pivotal class that got Liz hooked on marine bio
12:15 – knowing where your food comes from saves the ocean!
19:05 – where Liz stayed in Cayman
19:55 – How Liz found her dream job – persistence is key!
21:36 – Advice for deciding what you want to do as a marine biologist
24:17 – when Liz knew she wanted to be a marine biologist
26:40 – how being a marine biologist is different than she thought
27:12 – advice for if you’re not happy with your current position
31:03 – amazing day in the field in Cayman
30:59 – scary crocodile field story
32:05 – losing the faith in finding a marine bio job and contemplating alternatives
33:40 – most important place to start making an impact
35:40 – advice for becoming a marine biologist and about making money
36:57 – the most common question you’ll get asked when you introduce yourself as a marine biologist