For as long as I can remember, I have loved the ocean. Growing up, I took as many biology and chemistry classes as possible, trying to prepare myself for a career in marine biology. As an undergraduate, one of my majors was biology, and I conducted research underwater in Panama. I absolutely loved being a marine biologist! But when I went to Iceland for my master’s in Coastal and Marine Management, I realized that there were so many other ways to work with the ocean. Although I enjoyed biology, I found myself drawn to the social sciences, too.
Two reasons why I wanted to study in Iceland were that they have some of the most sustainable fisheries in the entire world, and it’s also one of the best places in the world for gender equality. How could I combine my two interests in fisheries and gender? I picked up a book called Seawomen of Iceland in the first couple of months into my stay in Iceland, and I discovered how important women have been to fisheries in Iceland throughout history. It’s funny how one book can change your life!
