Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 11/20/2009

Question
Hello, my name's Danielle and I would like to know if you could help me by answering some interview questions for me. I'm in a Biomedical Technology class in my high school and we're required to come up with a few questions and interview them and I was hoping this would be the place to get them answered; so here goes!

1.) What are some disadvantages of being a biologist?
2.) What's a typical day as a biologist?
3.) What's the most interesting thing that has happened to you on the job as a biologist?
4.) What are some advantages of being a biologist?
5.) If you had to describe being a biologist in one word, what would it be?
6.) Do you get to work more outdoors with hands-on activity than inside labs researching?
7.) Would you say being a biologist is challenging or difficult?
8.) Did you have to get certain immunizations?
9.) What's the highest degree you should have for a starting position?
10.) Does this job require a lot of travel?

Answer
Dear Danielle,

There are many different types of jobs that a biologist can have, and mine is only one of them.  I am a Senior Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies in Biology for the University of Miami, and my duties and jobs are going to be quite different from those of a field biologist or someone working for a pharmaceutical company.  But I will answer your questions with the understanding that you will substitute "senior lecturer in biology" for "biologist", since the latter is far too vague.

1.  I can't think of any disadvantages.

2.  Typical day involves teaching one or two courses (I teach Genetics, Evolution, General Botany, seminar courses), advising undergraduate students, and performing administrative duties for the department.

3.  I've been bitten by snakes, surrounded by barracudas (while collecting sea urchins), and had my legs covered with leeches while I was waist-deep in a Costa Rican swamp, taking infra-red photographs of mating frogs.  Take your pick which is the most interesting!  :)

4.  Flexible hours; interesting work; you never stop learning; getting to help students to understand and love biology; helping students find career opportunities in biology

5.  Stimulating!

6.  I do a little of both, but my research was primarily in the field.

7.  Yes, it's both challenging and difficult.  But it's worth the work.

8.  I had to be immunized when I went to Costa Rica.  Any field biologist who travels abroad needs to get the appropriate immunizations.  Biologists who work with animals or human tissues may need additional immunizations.

9.  A person can start working as a biologist with a Bachelor's degree, but your pay and responsibilities are much better and more interesting if you have a Ph.D.

10.  My particular job doesn't require a lot of travel, but many biologists do almost nothing but travel.  It depends on the particular job and the responsibilities entailed.

Good luck on your project!

Dana