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. Sandra Martins is an author on ‘ Immunological resilience of a temperate catshark to a simulated marine heat wave’, published in JEB. Sandra is a PhD student in the lab of Rui Rosa and Deborah Power from the University of Lisbon, Portugal, investigating how human activities impact shark health by uncovering the immune and neuroendocrine responses that help them adapt and thrive in a changing ocean.
Sandra Martins
How did you become interested in biology?
My passion for biology began with a deep love for animals and an unshakable connection to the ocean, even though I grew up far from the coast. Every weekend or summer holiday, I would beg my parents to take me to the beach. For me, the ocean has always been more than a destination – it's my breath, my peace, and the place where my mind finds freedom and clarity.
As I pursued my path in marine biology, that connection to the sea only grew stronger. I wanted to understand the incredible life beneath the waves and be active in protecting it. Now, as both a scientist and a mother of two, this mission has never felt more urgent. I want my children to feel the same wonder and sense of awe for the ocean that I do, to see its beauty, to appreciate its mystery, and to understand the vital role it plays in sustaining life on Earth. My goal is to help preserve the ocean, not only for my children but for all future generations, so they, too, can experience the magic and power of the ocean.
Describe your scientific journey and your current research focus
My professional journey began as the immunology lead in a veterinary lab, but my passion soon guided me toward a greater challenge. I moved to Lisbon, where I became the Manager of the Fish Platform, a key part of Portugal's scientific institutes in neuroscience and cancer research. Ten years after graduating, I made the bold decision to pursue a Master's in Marine Biotechnology – a turning point that reignited my scientific journey. Then, I applied for a PhD program with a project entitled ‘Immune and neuroendocrine responses of sharks to anthropogenic pressures’. It was a pivotal moment in my career, as I joined MARE at the University of Lisbon and met my current supervisors. I have since had the privilege of working between two esteemed institutes – MARE FCUL in Lisbon and CCMAR in Faro. Despite the challenges and being in a field with scarce research, it has been incredibly rewarding. Balancing family life and a PhD has tested my resilience, but it has also fueled my determination. Now, with my second child, I am nearing the completion of my PhD, feeling proud of the journey I have taken.
My focus remains on continuing the important work I have been doing during my research and helping to mitigate the impact of climate change stressors on marine life. This field holds immense potential, and I am excited to push it forward, contributing to a deeper understanding of marine life and its preservation for future generations.
How would you explain the main findings/message of your paper to a member of the public?
The small-spotted catshark is a key player in marine ecosystems, helping to keep the balance by controlling the populations of other animals that could disrupt the food chain. If these sharks were to disappear, it would cause a ripple effect, throwing the whole system out of balance. In my research, I studied how rising ocean temperatures, particularly marine heat waves, which are extreme thermal events in the ocean, affect the health of these sharks. We found that the sharks were stressed under these conditions, and stress weakens their immune systems, making them more vulnerable to diseases, which can eventually lead to death.
With climate change, marine heat waves are expected to become more frequent and severe in the coming decades. As a result, these sharks will be exposed to extreme temperature changes more often, potentially increasing their stress levels and reducing their ability to survive. This could not only impact the sharks’ populations but also affect the balance of life in the ocean, impacting the entire ecosystem they help maintain.
Why did you choose JEB to publish your paper?
Choosing Journal of Experimental Biology for publishing my paper aligns perfectly with the journal's aims to advance understanding of experimental biology and the physiological responses of animals to environmental stressors. The journal's commitment to publishing rigorous research that bridges ecological and physiological disciplines makes it an ideal platform for disseminating findings that highlight the challenges faced by marine species due to climate change, specifically extreme thermal events. Furthermore, JEB attracts a diverse readership. By sharing my findings in JEB, I hope to foster awareness and discussion about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit them in the face of global climate change.
What is the hardest challenge you have faced in the course of your research and how did you overcome it?
The most significant challenges I faced in my research were the limited existing knowledge about the immune and endocrine responses of shark species to climate change stressors and the constant optimization of several techniques. The literature gap meant that I had to pave my own way while ensuring the well-being of the sharks under my care. For several months, I dedicated myself to maintaining optimal husbandry conditions, making sure the sharks were humanely treated at every step of my research.
Overcoming these hurdles required creativity, resilience, and a deep commitment to the sharks and their welfare. I learned to adapt and innovate, pushing through obstacles by seeking out new resources and methodologies. Many days I felt like a shark in a marine heat wave, always seeking resilience, thriving to survive and continue my journey. This journey has not only strengthened my determination but has also deepened my passion for marine biology. It was a reminder that, despite the challenges, every effort contributed to a greater understanding of our oceans and the vital species that inhabit them.
What is the most important lesson that you have learned from your career so far?
The most profound lesson I have learned in my career is the power of resilience. If I can pursue a master's degree while raising one child and a PhD with two little ones in tow, then there are no limits to what I can achieve. Every time the weight of the world makes you want to give up, remember that your hard work is paving the way for something greater. You are not just pushing through challenges, you are igniting change and inspiring empathy for the animals suffering due to the human action on our planet. Your efforts matter, and they have the potential to shift perspectives and foster compassion. So, when the journey feels overwhelming, let that spark of resilience guide you forward. Embrace the struggle, for it is through overcoming these challenges that we truly grow and make a difference in the world. Your passion and dedication can create ripples of change that resonate far beyond yourself!
Sandra Martins' contact details: MARE – Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre/ARNET – Aquatic Research Network, Laboratório Marítimo da Guia, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal, Cascais, Portugal.
E-mail: [email protected]
