Becoming scientists and overcoming barriers with Alifa Haque, Dr Catherine Macdonald and Jasmin Graham

*TW: This is a powerful and very important conversation, however, there are references to systemic racism, sexism, discrimination and sexual assault which some listeners may find triggering [32-47 mins]* Pursuing a career in marine science can be hugely rewarding. You can make a living studying the ocean and its inhabitants, and answering those important questions that one day might help save our seas – pretty cool, right? But setting out on the scientific path can also be a daunting, and at times, overwhelming experience. Where do you even begin? How can you get a foot in the door? Should you do a PhD? What should your research question be? And what if you don’t ‘fit the mould’?! If you’re about to take the plunge into science, or are just considering dipping in a toe, then fear not - this week we have amazing shark scientists Alifa Haque, Catherine Macdonald and Jasmine Graham on the pod to discuss their own journeys into science, the triumphs and challenges along the way, and any advice they have for budding scientists out there. We also discuss some of the systemic and structural barriers still present, and how the scientific community can work to make science a more inclusive, representative and accessible profession, on both an individual and institutional level.  Alifa: https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/alifa-bintha-haque/, @alifa_haque (twitter), @haque.alifa (Instagram) Jasmin: @Elasmo_Gal (twitter), @MISS_elasmo, https://www.misselasmo.org/, https://www.marscilace.org/ Catherine: Field School (www.getintothefield.com), RSMAS (rsmas.miami.edu), Instagram: @drcatmac, Twitter: @dr_catmac