How Does Aquarium Keeping Affect ‘the Keepers'? Dr. Liz Marchio Shares Her Own Journey and Her Interests in Science and the Public
Aquarium keeping, for many hobbyists, goes beyond the pet aspect and truly becomes a way to bring aquatic ecosystems into one’s home. But how do aquariums affect personal views on science and conservation? My guest today, Dr. Liz Marchio - long-time aquarist, ichthyologist, and social scientist - works for the National Park Service in New Orleans to educate youth in science and ecological restoration and to oversee citizen science programs. Join us, as Liz shares her own journey and thoughts on how aquarium keeping impacts the future of science and conservation.
BIO:
Dr. Liz Marchio is a social scientist studying the ways in which the aquarium hobby affects participant views and understanding of science and conservation. This topic stemmed from her personal history as a serious aquarist, one that shaped interests in ichthyology and environmental science. Her experience as an aquarist spans many facets including as a technician at several Columbus, Ohio local fish stores, as Secretary and Member at Large for the Columbus Area Fish Enthusiasts, as a speaker to freshwater aquarium clubs across the United States, as a forum moderator, and most recently as a MASNA Scholarship Recipient (2015). Liz’s Ph.D. research (Texas A&M University) utilized the views of 2017 MACNA participants through interviews and a review of science and conservation content in the Vendor Room. Outcomes of her research are highly applicable to the aquarium industry as it becomes under increased scrutiny by resource management and future governmental regulation. Currently, Liz works with the National Park Service to teach K-12 students about science and ecological restoration in the Greater New Orleans area. She also manages the citizen science programs in the park, which are programs for adults who volunteer their time to collect scientific data. Citizen science is another avenue of research interest, specifically the ways in which aquarists can contribute to various types of scientific research.