Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist

by Jasmin Graham

My nerves had been ground into dust by trying to succeed alone as a unicorn in a horse-dominated world that hated horns, a.k.a. academia.

All too often Black people are perceived and treated much like sharks: feared, misunderstood, and brutalized, often without recourse; assumed to be threatening when so often we’re the ones under threat; portrayed unfairly in the media, so that others are predisposed to have a negative interaction with us.

As scientists, we recognize the importance of biodiversity; however, for some reason many people in the field struggle to see that we need diversity not only in nature, but in research and experience.

it is also the only research vessel I have ever been on whose flags announce to everyone that all are equal, all are welcome, and all belong on this boat.

Just like some people are more prone to anxiety than others—me; I’m some people—some animal species are more prone to stress,

They’re older than trees, than the rings of Saturn. They were here before dinosaurs. It’s been a long time since this planet has known an ocean without sharks.

humans are as destructive as an asteroid or super volcano (not a great look for mankind).

Very cute, but full of rage.

When Black women fight back, we are seen as the enemy, just like sharks, which, more often than not, bite only when provoked. They are just trying to live.

“Does anyone know about Dr. Minion’s lab?” This, of course, is not his real name. But it’s what I will call him since he is awful and ridiculous.

getting pimp-slapped by a shark does not feel good—ask me how I know),

Which is why I don’t believe in following rules that are dumb.

A rule that applies only to some isn’t a rule; it’s a manipulation tool. Everyone should be part of designing the rules and the process. Only when everyone is a part of the process can you create systems that are equitable and fair. If you start making rules about people who aren’t sitting at the table, those people will always get the short end of the stick. That’s how that works.

I learned that you don’t need to change the world—you just need to change your small piece of the world.

Don’t worry—I have never actually cut anyone.)

Science is all about following your curiosity.

When Tonya and I go out on the Disconnected later, I’ll be looking to collect bonnethead samples for Kathy’s data, as it has evolved into more of her project than mine—she will take on the role of compiling the info and publishing. I don’t feel at all possessive; I still get to do the fun stuff.

it seems to me that in the science world, people—especially older men—get a lot of free passes.

Days like this help me realize that there’s so much power in doing what I enjoy when I’m healthy and whole.

this is the perfect example of how everyone benefits when all the stakeholders are given a seat and a voice at the table, not just the people with more money.