From the Shores of Sea-Bird Scientific: Janelle Hrycik, PhD

Meet Janelle, a Sales Engineer with our industry partners at Sea-Bird Scientific! This post was originally featured on the Sea-Bird Scientific blog on March 3, 2023.

We’re so excited to showcase Janelle Hrycik, PhD, a Sales Engineer here at Sea-Bird Scientific!  A PADI certified diver, Janelle came to us with a BS in Marine Biology from Long Island University, and a PhD in Oceanography from Dalhousie University. Learn more about Janelle and her journey through her career in ocean science!

What first got you into ocean science? Who/what inspired you?

Everyone laughs, but Free Willy is what initially piqued my interest in ocean science. I didn’t grow up near an ocean and, as a child, it seemed like a magical place just out of reach.  I wanted to learn more about it, and my natural curiosity was encouraged by family and teachers.  I am extremely fortunate to have learned from such invested educators, as they fostered my love of learning and challenged me to believe I could achieve more.

What is the most memorable thing you have seen while on a cruise?

I always love seeing marine life! I’ve seen dozens of feeding whales, pods of dolphins, a school of hammerhead sharks, a leatherback sea turtle…and my inner child is delighted with each encounter.  There is also nothing that compares to the night sky while at sea – it’s breathtaking.

What do you think is important for people to understand about ocean science/research?

I think it’s most important for people to understand that the oceans impact your life, no matter how far you live from a coast. We live on a blue planet.  The oceans are key to the success of all life on Earth, yet we still know so little about them.

Why did you decide to come to Sea-Bird Scientific?

As the world’s largest developer and manufacturer of products for the measurement of key oceanographic parameters, Sea-Bird Scientific is an industry leader with a mission statement that resonates with me. Our customers use our products in a wide range of applications and, as a result, each day brings new and interesting challenges.  Finally, the team at Sea-Bird Scientific is truly one-of-a-kind.  Each member is helpful, patient, and willing to share knowledge, and the entire team works well together in pursuit of a common goal.  I continue to learn something new every day!

Janelle alongside colleagues at the OCEANS Conference