ECR Spotlight is a series of interviews with early-career authors from a selection of papers published in Journal of Experimental Biology and aims to promote not only the diversity of early-career researchers (ECRs) working in experimental biology but also the huge variety of animals and physiological systems that are essential for the ‘comparative’ approach. Benjamin Negrete is an author on ‘ Implications of chronic hypoxia during development in red drum’, published in JEB. Benjamin conducted the research described in this article while a PhD candidate in Dr Andrew Esbaugh's lab at University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute. He is now a post-doctoral fellow in the lab of Dr Jeffrey Richards at University of British Columbia, Canada, investigating how fish respond to a changing world and the mechanisms and adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive.
Benjamin Negrete, Jr
How did you become interested in biology?
I became interested in organisms and the natural world from watching endless Discovery Channel and National Geographic as a kid. This was my main way of learning about science and nature, especially because I loved the ocean but grew up 8 hours away from it! The deep-sea and its monster-like fish hooked me. When I saw these fish, I would just look at these incredible animals existing in a world so different from ours, and in this amazing 3D space, and wonder, how do you do what you do? What are you doing right now?
Describe your scientific journey and your current research focus
Early on I was interested in the ocean and its animals and set on becoming a marine biologist. Although, in school I was a fine arts kid to a T. I went to the University of Rhode Island and received my degrees in Marine Biology and Psychology, but I also kept music in my heart and minored in music. Before coming back to school, I took some time off and worked in education for students with learning differences and took summers to volunteer at the San Diego Aquarium and get familiar with research by volunteering at Scripps. Now, I still keep my interest in the marine world and try to understand how the ocean's fish will respond to the challenges they face. Particularly, how low oxygen impacts these fish and what are the mechanisms that aid in their resiliency.
How would you explain the main findings/message of your paper to a member of the public?
The environments that fish are exposed to can have dramatic and complex effects on them as they develop and get older. In this study, we exposed fish to low oxygen, or hypoxia, for three days and found that later on they were able to consume more oxygen when they exercised. However, this exposure potentially caused these fish to be more sensitive to low oxygen. So, it seems these fish may be prioritizing systems that promote oxygen for exercise, but not for low oxygen.
What is the hardest challenge you have faced in the course of your research and how did you overcome it?
Certainly, the imposter syndrome so many of us face. I would not say I have overcome it, but I have learned some strategies that make it easier to battle. Imposter syndrome is this villainous voice, but that voice can be silenced and drowned out. Finding community, especially as a historically excluded scientist, has been incredible. I have learned science is a social sport, and to have friends and colleagues who can validate your ideas, or experiences, or even just laugh with you in the lab can really shape your experience. I have learned how getting through this fun (but very arduous) career path is so much easier and more enjoyable with community by your side. I am also learning to trust other people more, and this includes when they support my work or collaborate. So, by telling myself, ‘I trust these minds and these people and no one has stopped me so far’, that helps me believe in myself a bit more.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do is to go to the movies. I love the experience of sitting in a cinema and being transported to a new story or new place. From comedy to drama to horror, it's wonderful to see art that a group of people had in their minds come to life on a screen and create a whole new experience. That's why we come to this place. It's similar to the scientific process and generating ideas and making them come to life.
Benjamin Negrete's contact details: University of British Columbia, 6270 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6T1Z4.
E-mail: [email protected]
