Where did you go to school?
School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University

What is your area of research?
The model organism I have been working with is Crassostrea virginica (the Eastern
Oyster). Oysters have hemocytes (blood cells) that are an important part of their
immune defenses. I am interested in factors that can impact oyster immunity ranging
from environmental factors, disease and more recently how various chemicals may
impact oyster immunity. Oysters play an important ecological role. In addition to
understanding the basic science of oyster immunity, I am interested in the application of
oyster health in the context of oyster restoration.

Who or what inspired you to become involved in marine science?
As an undergraduate, I applied for an internship with Dr. Bassem Allam at Stony Brook
University where I was first introduced to the world of marine science. It was not a field
that I even knew existed, but after working with Dr. Bassem Allam, I was hooked into the
field of marine science and realized it was what I wanted to pursue. I love the problem
solving involved with research and the field and laboratory work that comes with being
in the marine science field.

What qualities do you think are important in order to become a scientist?
Self motivation, persistence and hard work are some of the most important qualities of
becoming a scientist. It is often not a straight path whether it comes to your career or in
research experiments. Without the love and interest for the subject it can be easy to feel
discouraged and not want to continue. There are many set-backs involved, that is the
nature of research and a lot of time can be spent on troubleshooting or trying to figure
out why something did not work the way you expected. It’s important to be able to keep
going while also keeping an open mind to new questions that may arise.

Why is your research topic important?
Oysters are both important ecologically and economically. Oysters filter vast amounts of
water helping clean our waterways. The reefs that they build are an important habitat for
other organisms. Understanding their immunity and physiology can help us restore
oysters to greater numbers allowing them to play their role giving us cleaner waterways
and more abundant/diverse biological life. Plus, they are delicious!

What will you be bringing with you to the “meet with an Oceanographer” day?
Oysters in a tank to view, oyster dissected to see the different parts, coloring pages,
information on organisms found associated with oyster reefs

 

What is the best advice you have for people interested in becoming involved in your field of research or in marine sciences?
I would say keep asking questions and stay curious. Work hard to build the science and
math foundation you will need. Look for opportunities to try out research. If you get the
chance to do a research internship, take it. Regardless of the field of research, you have
to love it and so you have to give yourself the chance to try things to know what you
love to do.

What is your favorite ocean organism?
This is a tough one, but I would say as a whole I love when I get to snorkel and see
tropical invertebrates like those you would find on coral reefs.

 

Link to Joyce web page