There is a big, blue and breathtaking world that is home to so many incredibly diverse species that have made the oceans and other marine ecosystems their home !

Prerana Gawde, our next pathbreaker, is currently working towards her PhD in Oceans and Maritime Heritage within Marine Ecosystems at Stanford University.

Prerana talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about taking up her fascination for nature by not only becoming a certified SCUBA Diver and Marine Ecologist, but also working at a research organization that focuses on environmental sustainability and social justice related to marine systems.

For students, while people often grasp the effects of deforestation, the importance of marine sciences can feel distant, even though it’s very much equally vital.

Prerana, can you explain your background to our young readers? 

I grew up in Mumbai, a bit of a wild child and an average student. While I had a few close friends, I often spent time alone, wandering around my neighborhood, lost in random thoughts. My parents struck a really good balance—my dad was ambitious, making education a top priority, but not just in the academic sense. He wanted me to be independent, liberal, and self-aware. My mom, on the other hand, was more focused on ensuring I stayed mentally healthy. Even though I didn’t particularly enjoy school, I started reading books with my father, particularly non-fiction, from an early age at our local library. Swimming became another loved pastime. 

What did you do for graduation/ post-graduation?

After completing my 12th, I chose to study biological sciences and completed post-graduation in Zoology from the University of Mumbai. Having continuously studied for five years, I had grown weary of traveling around Mumbai as at that time we had lectures throughout the day at different colleges across the city. I was also not satisfied with my education; even though I understood the theory well, we had few field visits that offered practical training in zoology. Incidentally, I became a certified professional SCUBA diver, which opened the door to two years of work in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and cemented my interest in marine systems. This led me to pursue a master’s in Marine Biology and Ecology at James Cook University in Australia. 

Upon returning to India, I began exploring the connection between marine life and human communities, focusing on small-scale fisheries in Lakshadweep with the Dakshin Foundation. Now, I am working toward my PhD in Oceans at Stanford University.

What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional and unique career in Marine Biology?

While my mother’s love for nature definitely rubbed off on me, it was a small but powerful moment in school that truly set me on my path. Mrs. Selvaraj, my biology teacher, wrote “very good” on one of my biology papers, and that bit of praise made my 13-year-old self believe I was good at something. The next major nudge came from my mom, who introduced me to a diploma course in natural sciences taught at the University of Mumbai’s Department of Extra Mural Studies. It was an eye-opener in many ways. It was a small classroom with classmates from different parts of the city, (age-no bar), all sharing a love for nature. I also met naturalists and other scientists for the first time. Later, when I trained for SCUBA diving, the owner of the dive center was a huge source of encouragement during a delicate phase in my life, and that support helped me stay on the path I’m on today.

I chose Animal Physiology because I wanted to understand the basic processes that keep animals alive, from cell functions to how whole systems work together. I really enjoyed studying all of it. Having said that, I felt that towards the end of my degree, I was still clueless about what I want to do next which meant I needed more hands-on experience—more practical training that would show me how to apply what I learned in real-world situations which was just not covered in my college. After spending nearly two years diving and exploring the ocean, living and breathing the underwater world, I felt ready to return to academics, this time pursuing a masters in Marine Sciences at James Cook University.

I chose James Cook University for my master’s because I received a small scholarship there. I also wanted an academic environment that deeply engaged with marine ecology, and James Cook University stood out as a leading light in these fields. And of course, its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef!

My Marine Biology and Ecology degree from JCU gave me an understanding of marine ecosystems, fieldwork skills and a good understanding of research questions around marine resource use, conservation and management. I’d like to point out that this way of education really helped increase my curiosity and research thinking. For my master’s project, I studied marine protected areas (MPAs) and explored the perceptions of MPA managers and small-scale fishing communities regarding their management in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path

I gradually enjoyed studying at school, not because I had a clear career or job in mind, but purely out of curiosity. I think that love of learning for its own sake has been one of my biggest strengths. I was confident I’d find something that genuinely piqued my interest—something uncommon, that offered a sense of newness each day. Although this path hasn’t been without its challenges, it’s essential to persevere and seek opportunities that bring you step by step closer to your goals through any way. 

I don’t think I had a career transition; instead, I gradually trained and gained experience & skills that eventually led me to where I am now. Each step built on the last, helping me develop a strong foundation for my current work in marine sciences. One of the most fulfilling, formative and irreplaceable experiences I’ve had was working with Dakshin Foundation in Bangalore after my masters at JCU. They’re one of the few organizations fully dedicated to studying the coastal and ocean systems of India. My work with a talented group of scientists, fishing communities, and various stakeholders in the Lakshadweep islands has been especially memorable and has made me a better person.

How did you get your first break?

I would like to say that fewer people pursue natural sciences, particularly for research, education, or development studies. The emphasis tends to be on computers and engineering, which leads to limited institutions specializing in marine systems, along with challenges like lack of funding. However, there’s a growing focus on marine conservation, sustainable ocean resource use, fisheries management, the blue economy, and ecotourism, so I believe job opportunities in these areas will start to increase. There are many websites and forums like YETI and Science Jobs that sometimes advertise job opportunities. I also found my role as a researcher at Dakshin Foundation through these forums.

What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?

I wouldn’t say I faced significant challenges, but I definitely found myself seeking a mentor to guide me in the work I want to pursue. While I don’t have a specific mentor, everyone I’ve met on this journey has offered valuable advice, and I make it a point to listen closely and learn from their experiences. I believe it’s crucial to be honest about your strengths and weaknesses and to ask questions about anything and everything. 

Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?

Dakshin Foundation, where I worked earlier, is a research organization that is one of the very few institutes that work on environmental sustainability and social justice related to marine systems. They employ interdisciplinary approaches in their research and conservation initiatives, integrating fields such as ecology, conservation biology, sociology, economics, and law. They conduct research to inform conservation policies and run educational programs for local communities and policymakers. Additionally, they collaborate with local communities to promote involvement in conservation efforts and decision-making. Their work expands across almost entire coastal India and our two island systems, Andaman and Nicobar islands and the Lakshadweep.

Here, I worked with a team of social scientists, ecologists, and development practitioners to study the small-scale pole-and-line tuna fisheries of Lakshadweep. I focused on a group of small pelagic fish known as baitfish, which are essential for the operation of these fisheries. Monitoring fish stocks is crucial for protecting biodiversity, sustainably managing fisheries, preserving marine resources, and supporting local communities. To support this, I developed in-water protocols for monitoring baitfish stocks, enabling data collected over time to provide insights for better management. I dived on the outer reefs and snorkelled in the lagoons to gather data. I also collaborated with fishing communities to map key baitfish sites around the islands, aiding in spatial management.

I am currently pursuing my PhD focusing on interdisciplinary research frameworks to study maritime heritage within marine ecosystems.

What skills are required for your role? How did you acquire the skills?

There is a vast range of skills, and what you need largely depends on the type of research you’re conducting. It’s a continual process—you’re never truly done acquiring new skills. There are foundational abilities, such as critical thinking, identifying gaps in knowledge, and recognizing patterns. Then, there are the more technical aspects, including methodological and analytical skills. Each stage brings its own challenges. With technology ever evolving, there are research tools that help you work more efficiently and effectively, so learning them is always beneficial.

What’s a typical day like?

I’m still new to the PhD process, so I’m learning like a sponge every day, and I haven’t quite settled into a set routine yet. A PhD keeps you on your toes. It’s about growing as a researcher, becoming a better science communicator, and understanding your role in society. You get pulled in different directions, but I gladly accept the challenges, timelines, and deadlines, all while trying to stay mentally and physically fit.

What is it you love about this job? 

I love to be part of a community that gets equally excited about studying the oceans in every possible way and ready to talk to you about their work and experiences so fervently. 

How does your work benefit society? 

The impact of my work, and of marine sciences, from conservation to ecological research, is about sustaining life in our oceans, which in turn supports life on land. While people often grasp the effects of deforestation, the importance of marine sciences can feel distant, even though it’s very much equally vital. Marine ecological research studies how ocean ecosystems work, while marine conservation uses this knowledge to protect and manage these ecosystems through policy and community efforts. My PhD research on maritime heritage within marine ecosystems explores how cultural and historical connections to the ocean can enhance conservation. By exploring the connection between human history and ocean health, I will identify ways to study, look after marine environments and create strategies that align with community values.

Your advice to students based on your experience?

I would say don’t be in a hurry to find a career; instead, be self-aware of what subject or topics you like to engage with, what keeps you up at night. It is always good to stay updated on what is happening in the world. Learn soft skills, like how to write grammatically correct and effective emails, pay attention to detail, and be professional and courteous when asking questions. I try to keep a growth mindset and believe that every task, activity, and interaction presents a learning opportunity for you to grow as a researcher and as a human being. Don’t consider any job too small and step out of your comfort zone to take on challenges.

Future Plans?

I don’t usually plan things out or set them in stone, but my core belief remains unchanged: I want to keep doing what I love while also trying new things that challenge me. It’s all about feeding my curiosity, expanding my knowledge, and growing as a person.