IJSK – Webinar 7: Inside the World of a Marine Scientist

Our recent presentation, Inside the World of a Marine Scientist, offered an inspiring and informative look into the realities of working in marine science. We were fortunate to hear from two engaging speakers: Dr. James Tan from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, and PhD candidate Jeff Good from the University of Auckland.

Both speakers shared their personal journeys into marine science, highlighting that there is no single “correct” path into the field. Dr. Tan spoke about his academic and professional experiences in Malaysia and Australia, giving insight into how environments and opportunities can shape a scientist’s work. Jeff Good complemented this by discussing his current PhD research and how his he explored different fields over time, in different locations too (USA, Indonesia and NZ), emphasizing the importance of curiosity and persistence.

A key part of the session focused on their current research, which gave students a real-world perspective on what marine scientists actually do. From studying marine ecosystems to addressing environmental challenges, the speakers demonstrated how diverse and impactful this field can be.

The presentation also included a lively Q&A session, where students asked thoughtful questions about starting a career in marine science, the skills needed to succeed, and what the future of biology might look like. Both speakers encouraged students to stay open-minded, gain hands-on experience where possible, and not be afraid to explore different areas within science.

This was the last webinar on the IJSK 2026 program, and the presentation was both engaging and motivating, giving students a clearer understanding of marine science as a career and the exciting possibilities it holds for the future.