1986: The beginning

People often ask me when I first decided to become a marine biologist. I say it was subconscious, natural even (given that water is my primary element) but being an adventurer scientist was my ultimate goal -- and here I am. My first attempt at saving marine mammals is depicted above. I was just 6 years old. I did get a prize for this piece of art even though the whales have sharp jagged teeth and big red lips. Fortunately I now know a little better :) Thanks to my parents for encouraging and supporting me and even saving a snapshot of this earliest attempt, and my brother for help with the go-faster-stripes on the dolphins!