Today's storyteller is Dr Cynthia Awruch! Cynthia is a marine biologist studying sharks of Argentina and Tasmania. She's researching shark physiology and reproduction, how physiology helps conservation, and how marine contaminants negatively impact shark reproduction. Today we talk all about her research, and dive into how physiology does impact shark conservation, which I found very interesting. They figured out a way to use hormones (via blood samples) to understand reproduction and stress, which is great because it's nonlethal and doesn't remove individuals from an already struggling population! We also have a really good conversation about communication and the importance of social sciences in the physical sciences, and about balancing work, research, school, and life. Enjoy!
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You can find Rachel Villani on Twitter @flyingcypress and Storytellers of STEMM on Facebook and Twitter @storytellers42.
You can find Cynthia Awruch on Twitter @ca_awruch and her University of Tasmania website.
Book List: The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben, The Ratline by Philippe Sands, East West Street: On the Origins of "Genocide" and "Crimes Against Humanity" by Philippe Sands, The Overstory by Richard Powers
Recorded on 14 August 2021.