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. Alyvia Martinez is an author on ‘ The effects of anthropogenic sound on embryonic little skates (Leucoraja erinacea) and chain dogfish (Scyliorhinus rotifer)’, published in JEB. Alyvia conducted the research described in this article while an undergraduate researcher (REU) in Allen Mensinger's lab at the Marine Biological Laboratory, Woods Hole, USA. Alyvia is now a PhD student in the lab of Sönke Johnsen at Duke University, USA, investigating the visual diversity in sea spiders across many marine environments to understand how habitat-specific visual demands influence the evolution of their eye morphology.
Alyvia Martinez
How did you become interested in biology?
Funny enough, I got a D in high school biology, and the act of research was unfamiliar to me, growing up in a family not involved in science. My interest in marine biology stemmed from visiting the ocean on family vacations, but I quickly learned that this alone does not make me a qualified scientist. During my freshman year of college, I applied to a marine science research internship – only to be rejected. Undeterred, I left my landlocked state that summer and headed to Florida, determined to find even just an hour of volunteer work at a marine science center. To make ends meet, I worked two jobs: one in hospitality during the morning hours and another in retail at night. My determination, which may seem stubborn, led to a fortunate turn of events. A few days after my arrival, the Florida Oceanographic Society re-evaluated my application and extended an internship offer. I jumped at the opportunity and started as their oyster reef restoration and conservation intern. That summer transformed how I saw marine ecosystems. Habitats are not just the large biomes we learn about in school; even oysters serve as living landscapes for cities of microscopic organisms. Learning how chemical cues drive these ecological interactions introduced me to the field of sensory biology which I have been pursuing ever since.
Describe your scientific journey and your current research focus
Although my undergraduate institution, Albion College, USA, was far from the ocean, I sought out marine biology opportunities any chance I could. After helping restore oyster reefs with the Florida Oceanographic Society, I went on to participate in a Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole to investigate elasmobranch hearing – the work that is now published in JEB. The following summer, I became an intern at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA, to study deeper ecosystems and learn how to code in Python and Matlab. My project used remotely operated vehicle footage to model benthic biodiversity at depths between 200 and 900 m in the San Pedro basin. Shortly after, I received Duke University’s Marine Science and Conservation Scholarship for visiting students. This opportunity allowed me to spend one semester at the Duke University Marine Lab, where I took classes and worked on an independent research study analyzing sound recordings and spectrogram data of pilot whale non-linear phenomena vocalizations. During this time I also wrote a winning NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Proposal focused on a novel method for studying the sound sensitivity of benthic macroinvertebrates. I am now a first-year PhD student at Duke University, where I have shifted my focus to a different sensory system – vision. My current research examines how ecological pressures drive the evolution of ocular morphology, specifically in sea spiders, a group known for its global distribution and that has remarkable diversity in eye structures.
How would you explain the main findings of your paper to a member of the public?
Underwater communication is essential for marine animals to navigate their environment, find shelter, evade predators and find other members of their species. Our study looked at how little skates and chain catsharks respond to sounds while they are still developing in their egg cases – an area where information about their hearing development is limited. We played a recording of a boat and found that skates stop moving their tails when they hear this disruptive sound, which is a behaviour crucial in circulating oxygen. This suggests they are able to hear during development and may be affected by human-made noises such as boats and pile-driving. This is concerning because it could make them more vulnerable to predators as hatchlings. If their ability to hear is affected during development, they might struggle to detect danger, increasing their risk of being preyed upon.
What do you enjoy most about research, and why?
Science doesn't need to be beautiful, it just has to be effective. This means that finding a solution to a problem often requires thinking outside the box, and sometimes the best answers come from the most unconventional sources. In my experience, I've encountered some surprising items used in labs, like an old, unusable grill that turned out to be the perfect shape for holding specimens. I've also seen a kiddie pool repurposed for experiments, copious amounts of Lego bricks used for building models, and my personal favorite from a conference: yarn, creatively crafted into crocheted elephant trunks to study elasticity. I am fully convinced anything can be turned into a scientific tool. However, it can be challenging to adopt this mindset, especially for early career researchers who tend to be perfectionists and want to get everything right. Embracing a flexible approach to problem solving not only opens up new avenues in research but also fosters innovation and creativity in the scientific process. Ultimately, it's about changing how you view the world around you and recognizing the potential in everyday objects. In other words, I am learning how to embrace my 12-year-old imagination when I would create whole worlds with the sticks and rocks in my backyard.
Do you have a top tip for others just starting out at your career stage?
Apply to everything! Rejections are inevitable, but each one is a step toward the right opportunity. If you feel limited by location, remember that passion and resourcefulness can turn any home base into a launchpad for discovery. When opportunities seem out of reach, create one – reach out to scientists to ask questions, volunteer in a STEM class, or find ways to develop relevant skills independently. Science isn't just about where you start; it's about how you think, how you adapt and how you make the most of every experience. Stay persistent, stay curious, and don't be afraid to take unconventional paths – you never know where they might lead.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I'm a retired competitive and collegiate swimmer (perhaps an early sign of my career choice), though I still swim recreationally for fun – and occasionally challenge myself with long-distance open-water races. I love staying active, whether it's weightlifting, hiking or playing pickleball. I like to begin my mornings by reading a few pages of a biology-related book; my current read is The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean by Susan Casey, but I also like to explore theology and the intersection of science and faith. I usually end my nights experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes, especially with my Crock-Pot. When I'm looking to unwind, you'll find me crocheting ocean-themed decor for my house like turtle-shaped mug coasters. And, while I indulge in these activities, I have two pet hermit crabs, named Salsa and Guac, who entertain me by exploring the terrains of my home in miniature hamster balls.
Alyvia Martinez's contact details: Biological Sciences Building, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
E-mail: [email protected]
