Meredith Sherrill: An Example of Tenacity for Working with Whales!

Tell us a little about your background.

I think my background might be a little different. I always loved science and I did my bachelor’s in Michigan, with a concentration in cell biology and biochemistry. Toward the end of our studies, we were all required to do an internship and I was not particularly interested in working in a lab all summer. So I contacted an organization called The Marine Mammal Center, which is not far from where I grew up in California. I asked them if they had anything I could do. I lucked out and was offered an opportunity to work with a veterinary student! This was my introduction to the world of marine mammals.  

Then, I did my master’s degree in marine mammals at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After finishing, I had several jobs, such as working for the marine mammal emergency network in California.  

After a few years, I tried looking for a job with more research or a PhD, but there was nothing. I decided to shift gears and started working as an animal health technician for the sake of greater stability. When I saw the PhD opportunity, I decided to give it one last go. Why not? Finally, against all expectations I was offered the position and I accepted!  

How did you discover the world of marine mammals? 

It’s a bit because I grew up in California, where there were always seals and sea lions. When I was in elementary school, I fell in love with marine mammals, but I always figured it was “too cool” of a profession, meaning it wasn’t really realistic. It was after completing my bachelor’s that I realized that I didn’t want to work in a lab full time and I told myself that I was going to give it a shot.  

What kinds of challenges do you face? 

From a scientific perspective, what we are trying to do is quite innovative and new, because there are not many references. When I have questions, sometimes it’s hard to find someone who has the answer. For me, it’s a real challenge, because I want the job to be done well. It’s not easy to take methods that are designed for large whales and adapt them for belugas. Scaled mass index wasn’t really something that had been done before. Sometimes it’s stressful, and it puts a lot of weight on your shoulders! 

How do you see the place of women in science and how can we encourage them to get more involved in science? 

I think women are still underrepresented in science and math in general, but I do feel that things are changing. My experiences are different from those of women who are younger or those who are ten or twenty years older. It’s evolving very quickly.  

I also think it’s important to see other women in science, especially in leadership or management positions. Slowly, things will continue to change. We must continue to encourage them and show them that anything is possible.