Lyndsey Tanabe

PhD student

Marine Science PhD Student, Saudi Arabia

How I got a chance to save sea turtles with science

I recently got the chance to work on a project in Dammam and it was a very rewarding experience. I was working alongside a few researchers from King Fahd University, a few employees from Saudi Wildlife Authority, and Dr. Jeff Miller, a “turtle expert.” Because there are so few publications on this topic, I had come across many of his papers and came to think of him as “famous” in my mind. It was very cool to learn from him!

Fieldwork in Egypt: Struggles and successes

To say that my boat ride to Small Gobal island in the Middle East was an adventure would be an understatement. Due to the high winds, the boat was uncomfortably vertical. The waves were so large that we had to hold onto a rope to avoid falling over. Lucky for the captain, I wasn’t an average tourist and was definitely up for an adventure!

Make a wish: Being a marine biologist for a day

The highlight of my experience at the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology Community Education Program was inspiring the next generation to be stewards of the land and sea. One of my most memorable visits was a trip organized through the Make-a-Wish Foundation to fulfill a young girl’s wish of being a marine biologist – Jayde, a bright and passionate 15-year-old who has a love for the ocean.

I really regret studying abroad… Or do I?

Okay… so maybe regret isn’t the best word. But my year-long experience studying abroad ignited a flame of passion deep inside my veins. It sparked in me, an insatiable case of wanderlust. What better time to leave behind the comforts of home and explore all that the world has to offer!