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ments with rhesus macaques. I mistakenly plugged the fully powered loudspeaker into my computer before turning the computer on. When the computer started up, the louder than life boom of the computer startup signal blared across the entire island. Every monkey scampered over the cliffs to hide. I stopped every research project on the island that day. I was extremely embarrassed and not a popular person at the time. In fact, I still feel that embarrassment as I answer this question. I’ve never made that mistake again.
What advice do you have for budding acousticians?
Talk to leaders in your field face-to-face. In this day and age, I find more young people gravitating toward email and other forms of electronic communication instead of developing personal and professional relationships through discussion. The ASA meetings are a great place to talk with people because almost everyone I know at these meetings is welcoming of students and young career acousticians. Take advantage of mentoring programs and lunches where you can listen to the stories of others. Out of session discussions are often the most productive parts of professional meetings for me, and it is often over dinner or drinks where new ideas take form and collaborations are made. If it is too intimidat- ing for you to initially introduce yourself in person, break the ice by making contact with those you’d like to chat with before the conference. Set up a lunch or coffee break to meet and chat. Listen and share, and I’m sure you will walk away from conversations with new insights.
Have you ever experienced imposter syndrome? How did you deal with that if so?
I think one of the defining characteristics of any scientist is intellectual curiosity. It is understandable then that evalua- tion often turns inward in self-assessment and comparison to others leading to imposter syndrome. I am no stranger to this. I’ve found the most effective way to battle this unpro- ductive thought process is to be productive. Volunteering or participating in professional societies, committees, and workshops fosters an atmosphere of teamwork where my contribution is valued among my peers. Follow-through on commitments also promotes a sense of accomplishment and value that is recognized by my partners and collaborators. I also remind myself that very little science these days is accomplished alone, and asking for help when needed is a sign of growth and strength to ensure success, not some- thing to be looked down on.
What do you want to accomplish within the next 10 years or before retirement?
I want to play a role in elevating and celebrating the value of acoustics in ocean science and society in general. I’m trying to do this now by establishing CARE at UNH, invit- ing artists on ocean acoustic field cruises, and saying yes to as many outreach events as I can. New on the horizon for me will be conveying this message more nationally in the political environment by advocating for funding increases that benefit acoustics, ocean science, and education. More simply, I want to do good work that increases the visibility of acoustics in a positive light.
Bibliography
Howe, B. M., Miksis-Olds, J. L., Rehm, E., Sagen, H., Worcester, P. F., and Haralabus, G. (2019). Observing the oceans acoustically. Frontiers in Marine Science 6, 426. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2019.00426.
Miksis-Olds, J. L., Martin, B., and Tyack, P. L. (2018). Exploring the ocean through soundscapes. Acoustics Today 14(1), 26-34.
Miksis-Olds, J. L., and Nichols, S. M. (2016). Is low frequency ocean sound increasing globally? The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 139, 501-511.
Miksis-Olds, J. L., Stabeno, P. J., Napp, J. M., Pinchuk, A. I., Nystuen, J. A., Warren, J. D., and Denes, S. L. (2013) Ecosystem response to a temporary sea ice retreat in the Bering Sea. Progress in Oceanography 111, 38-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pocean.2012.10.010.
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