Interview with Jen Loch - Ep. 99

In today's episode, we interview Jen Loch.  She grew up in Florida (USA) which encouraged her focus on a profession in marine science from a young age. She completed her B.S. in Biology from Florida State University, and M.S. in Marine Biology through the Three Seas Program at Northeastern University. She completed her PhD in conservation biology at the University of Central Florida. We learn more about the PhD program she followed, and the milestones along the way.

 In between her masters and doctorate, she spent several years teaching biology at local colleges, worked at an aquarium, and as a biologist for a local government.  We talk about her career path and how it took a while for all conditions to line up for her to get started with a PhD

Jen's research has focused on predatory fishes and their habitats, as well as how they are influenced by anthropogenic pressures (e.g., fishing and habitat alteration). We learn about her research, how she used fieldwork, and some of her main insights.

She is married to her husband of 11 years and they have two daughters, who were born during the course of their doctorates, and are now 3 and 5 years old. We learn about their experience being doctoral candidates with children, the support Jen's university offered, and how she combines academia and parenting.

Finally, we will hear Jen's best advice for PhD candidates, how she sets boundaries around work, the impact of COVID-19 on her doctorate, and what a day look likes in the life for her.