Shark Scientist's Daily Routine: Biopsies, Aerial Drills & Pizza 2026

Shark scientist Jasmin Graham reveals her daily routine, blending fieldwork, aerial arts, and advocacy—showing that sharks are not monsters, they just need better PR. In this article, we dive into a day in the life of a shark researcher based in Sarasota, Florida, from early morning dentist visits to preparing for shark surveys.

Morning Routine: Emails, Dentist, and Aerial Drills

Graham typically wakes up around 8am, but on this particular day, she rose at 7am for a dentist appointment. She used the time to catch up on emails and even took a fundraising call while driving. After the dentist, she headed home to practice her aerial skills—lyra, pole, and silks—similar to what you'd see in Cirque du Soleil. Breakfast was a simple bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios.

Office Work and Creative Collaborations

Later, Graham went to the office to meet with an artist in residence for her nonprofit, Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS). They are working on props and sets for an immersive theater show about the mass extinction of sharks, blending a whodunit with an escape room experience. This creative approach helps engage the public in marine conservation.

Lunch and Grant Work

For lunch, Graham opted for delivered meals—some sort of pasta—since she doesn't have time to cook. In the afternoon, she focused on a grant for grassroots environmental organizations in the southeast. As co-chair of the Priorities, Projects, and Campaigns committee for the America the Beautiful for All Coalition, she works to protect nature while centering justice and access.

Preparing for Shark Surveys

Later, she shifted to prepping for an upcoming shark survey, which involves field research and data collection. This includes taking biopsies and using aerial drones to monitor shark populations—critical for conservation efforts.

Key Takeaways from a Shark Scientist's Day

• Balancing multiple roles: scientist, aerialist, and advocate.
• Using creative projects like theater to raise awareness about shark extinction.
• Emphasizing the importance of grassroots environmental work.
• Highlighting the need for better PR for sharks.

Comparison: Shark Research vs. Typical Office Job

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