Q. What is it about this topic that interests you?

Lamberty: Having lived on the East Coast my whole life, I am very interested in learning more about shark populations along the East Coast as sharks are incredibly important for a healthy marine ecosystem. Classified globally as vulnerable under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, sand tiger sharks are in need of further conservation efforts for their protection. Shark population dynamics and shark behavior are important to help set conservation protections. In this project, shark measurements inform the maturity status so we can understand whether this habitat consists of mature or immature shark populations. I am excited that I get to be a part of this community effort and my daily work allows me to experience their dives from my home. Seeing the beauty of the sharks in their own habitat makes me feel more connected to the sharks and the importance of their continued conservation.

Q. How has COVID-19 shaped your plans for this project? Is flexibility something that comes easily for you?

Lamberty: I feel very thankful that I am able to continue this project when plans for the summer changed. Fortunately, this project allows me to work from home, but in the future I hope to have more involvement in person. At the present time, I am glad to offer any help for continuing this project from home. Everyone involved has been very flexible to be able to move forward with the project.

Q. What are the possible real-world applications for your study?

Lamberty: Being able to understand population dynamics of sand tiger sharks along the East Coast is important to be able to work to protect them. Sand tiger sharks are listed as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List and to aid in their population growth, knowing locations that sand tiger sharks frequently return to each year is beneficial. Also, by determining their measurements each time the same shark returns to a location can inform growth patterns and which individuals are mature. 

Q. How would you explain your work to a fifth grader?

Lamberty: For my project, I look at sand tiger shark photos and measure the length of the shark. The camera used to take the shark photos has laser pointers that appear on the shark. The laser marks that appear on the shark are similar to putting a ruler on the side of the shark to take the measurement. Using these measurements, we can determine which sharks are adults without needing to interact with the shark directly.

Q. What advice would you give younger kids (middle school or high school) with similar interests?

Lamberty: Get involved in your community with environmental projects. I learned a lot from volunteering at the National Aquarium, which helped me to learn more about marine science and ocean conservation and know that it is the career I want to pursue. A lot of my passion for marine science came from being involved in organizations that sparked my interest in my community.

Q. Have the changes required by the pandemic changed your perspective on anything? Would you share an example or two?

Lamberty: During this pandemic, the health of our community is dependent on each person doing their part. We are reminded how everyone is connected and how our actions impact others. In the same way, in order to protect the ocean and its inhabitants, conservation requires the participation of everyone. My hope is that we come out of this pandemic more aware of how our health and the health of the planet is dependent on taking responsibility for our actions.