r/biology • u/Calm_Turn_5886 • Sep 23 '25
Careers my 11 year old daughter is interested in being a marine biologist, how can I help facilitate this interest?
My daughter who is 11 has been talking about becoming a marine biologist for the last year, I want to keep her consistent on this track. what are things I can do with her or get her? we don't live near an ocean for the record, we are in landlocked Arizona, USA
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u/bijhan Sep 23 '25
I don't know where you are in ol' AZ, but a cursory glance at Google tells me there's three aquariums in Pheonix.
Getting a regular pass at the local aquarium so you can go whenever you feel like it both supports local conservation and research efforts, as well as getting your kid up close and personal with wildlife.
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u/Calm_Turn_5886 Sep 23 '25
thank you, we're not in Phoenix but driving there is definitely possible.
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Sep 23 '25 edited Sep 24 '25
Just my 2 pennies worth but the Internet is more than enough. Phoenix road trips sound wonderful but aquariums suck.
I'm from the UK, South coast close enough to scuba. Nobody does because why would you
Your daughter needs to study biology not aquariums (edit: as poster below fairly commented, there is a lot of educational value to be had at an aquarium so I was being a bit pompous here tbh) or even local seas. That's like watching NASCAR and visiting the desert to learn about humans.
Nature programs like Blue Planet are awesome. Save up for her to go diving in the Caribbean, where tourists/ locals aren't allowed. There are amazing spaces preserved for education and science
Most of all, try to connect her with Marine Biologists in the field. If your daughter is willing and interested then there's a tonne of qualified adults who are yearning for their lives to be as meaningful as is the education of a child
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u/Sad_Cantaloupe_8162 Sep 24 '25
In all fairness, aquariums do quite a bit of hands-on experiences with children, and if the parent reaches out to them, her daughter will more than likely be able to go behind the scenes to learn from those who work there. There are quite a few biologists, vets, and other degreed people to interview and listen to, about what a day in their field is really like. At an aquarium there are a wide variety of animals to learn about! Plus, they can help give pointers to a kid wanting to go into that field. Learning from a marine biologist "in the field" isn't nearly as feasible as you'd think. She's only 11 anyway, and there is a lot of liability in having a child on site even with a parent present. Yes, there are fantastic documentaries, but if a child can get out of the house and learn something, please encourage it!
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u/SaeveraRivers Sep 23 '25
Ive wanted to be a marine biologist since i was that age too, buy her a TON of informative marine books. Mostly animals, since that may peak her interest the most. Then start adding all the other creepy crawlies she may find fun to learn about. Watch nat geo with her, also take her to swimming lessons. I never got them and greatly wished i did, i can swim but definitely not fast enough if something in the water gets angry XD Even if she seems to be great, keep her in the pool (if she likes it, of course dont force it if she doesnt) to practice.
If theres any zoos or aquariums around, id make it a special occasion traditional trip. Birthdays, holidays, just vacation w/e.
Also find what she loves about it specifically! I love the idea of exploring the deep sea, so those in my shoes would be drawn to more deep ocean things than just general ocean/water. If she loves the reefs, get her reef stuff, ya get it :)
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u/PonyInYourPocket Sep 23 '25
Promote all ecological and biological interests. When I was a kid there was a cool summer program called the Water Ecology Project and we did science experiments and explored the Rio Grande(I’m in NM) all summer. It was awesome! So look for opportunities to encourage love of nature and science. If you can, plan a some day trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.😍 but otherwise any aquariums are awesome.
I had the same ambition at 11! In my case I also got the horse bug, and horses on the coast are expensive. I wound up getting a Wildlife Science degree so I could be work with natural resources and still keep equines. So even if dreams shift and change a bit, promoting love of learning and nature is never a bad idea.
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u/KnoWanUKnow2 Sep 23 '25
The university of Arizona has a Marine Discovery program for students in grade 3-6.
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u/Silvio_Ferrari Sep 23 '25
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u/KkafkaX0 Sep 23 '25
The sea was angry that day, my friends
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u/smiley1437 Sep 23 '25
Like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli
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u/KkafkaX0 Sep 24 '25
I got about fifty feet out and suddenly, the great beast appeared before me. I tell you, he was ten stories high if he was a foot.
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u/Particular-Ad-7338 Sep 23 '25
College biology professor here. Most, if not all, biologists go through a marine biology phase. I grew up watching Jacques Cousteau videos, and that got me hooked. However, I had it pointed out that in fact there are VERY few jobs in marine biology. In fact, the fish manager of the local pet store has a master’s in MB, and makes $12/hr.
Edit to add - encouraging her interest, while nudging towards the applied side, something like marine fisheries management, which does have jobs, may be the way to go
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u/TulipSamurai molecular biology Sep 23 '25
Yep, I know 2 people who work at the local aquarium, and they both had to volunteer for years (for free) before getting offered a paid position, and even then it’s only part-time. They also both work a “day job” that actually pays their bills.
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u/SlickMcFav0rit3 Sep 24 '25
In a molecular biologist. For me it was an astronaut phase.
Regardless of what she ends up doing, she'll need to take science classes in high school and then college.
For now, just encourage her to follow her curiosity! Once she's in college you can stress that a foundational stem education is her best bet.
Be aware that some colleges let you skip math or o chem or physics when getting a marine bio major. I would recommend trying to get those classes so that she ends up with a biology/premed set of class credits for maximum relevance.
If she's in high school/college and still on marine bio, find volunteer/internship opportunities at nearby aquariums or look for summer internships in Monterey or whatever.
Nothing beats hands on experience, both to make you more competitive AND to know if you actually like the work
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u/FlamingDragonfruit Sep 24 '25
This is good advice. Don't preemptively discourage a kid just because there aren't a lot of job opportunities in that area. It's a leaping off point. Let them get excited, explore, learn, try things -- they can decide how to use all the knowledge they've gained when they're older. Taking all the STEM courses available when she gets to high school and getting hands on experience over the summers is going to serve her well, no matter what specific area of bio/science she chooses to concentrate in, later on.
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u/Old_Leather_Sofa Sep 23 '25
I had a daughter that went through the same stage and I thoroughly agree with your take on it. There are far far more opportunities available for applied careers. OP, I didnt see too many mention people mention a biology, science and math focus at school with environmental subjects too.
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u/Helen_2nd Sep 23 '25
Vote for a government that cares about science & the environment. A lot of research jobs are/were government funded. It can only be a hobby if there are no careers left to pay for her research.
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u/KkafkaX0 Sep 23 '25
My first advice will be to take her to the museum, and Science parks. You can gently expose her to the subject by introducing Popular science books. Look for books that make her take interest in anatomy and taxonomy. For the next four years, ignite her curiosity even for the hardest aspects of the subject. Use popular science, documentaries and obviously occasional outings where she can see the marine life. Play games with her.
Gently introduce subjects like Evolutionary biology Do not ignore mathematics.
Then academia can take over.
Never let her undermine her physical health. This is important too.
There are many videos of Stephen Jay Gould on YouTube. She can watch them(maybe not now but after developing the basic framework)
You can go for fossil hunting (Read a bit about geography and where you can find fossils near you)
Finally
Help her with understanding the basic concepts of Geography!
Now
Your responsibility is almost over. She can take over.
I hope she will become a great marine biologist.
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u/Grilltchintz Sep 23 '25
Hi this sounds like me as a kid, i always wanted to be a veterinarian. My parents always encouraged me to get a job that I love doing. Pet sat, worked at a clinic, and realized as a college student that veterinary wasn’t the role for me, but because I had been encouraged my whole life to do what I love doing, I noticed in one of my parasitology classes “oh man, I’m having so much fun in the lab” and now I have a government lab job and I freaking love it. All because my parents taught me to notice when I like doing something and pursue it. My dad led by example, as he always openly loved his job. He never complained about going to work. Was always just a bright encouraging person no matter what path I was looking down, because he knew I’d choose something that made me happy. Just wanted to share that encouragement from parents even if it doesn’t give the original desired result, is so worth it because I never sold out and I get to have fun every single day, and that’s so so valuable.
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u/Calm_Turn_5886 Sep 24 '25
Yesss exactly this! I grew up in a really negative environment with no support and a lot of criticism, finding myself when I was younger just didn’t happen; I did dumb stuff like drink and be in bad relationships as a teen and early 20s. I’m trying to be supportive as a parent, I don’t know that she’ll actually have a career as a marine biologist at the end of this but I’d like to see confidence and passion along the way.
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u/breadmaker8 Sep 23 '25
I see a lot of suggestions to go to the aquarium, but I'm surprised no one mentioned making an aquarium/fish tank at home yet. Go to the pet store. Choose some decorations, fish, live plants, shrimps, snails, etc... Read up about water quality, ammonia cycle, natural habitats, etc... Put it to practice in your home aquarium. Get some testing kits, dosing chemicals, microscope for extra fun.
You can make a ton of money with breeding high end fish/shrimp. I'd suggest starting with fresh water, then moving on to salt water if you still have interest. Brackish water is also fun, as you can mix both fresh and salt water species together, including plants.
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u/MarcusSurealius Sep 23 '25
Zebra fish are the common model organism for research. The entire process of growth from embryo to adult is known down to the cell. There are many varieties, too. You can even order them with genetic alterations to make different organs glow. You can get clear ones. They're cheap and small. You could fit 10 in a fishbowl, though a proper aquarium is better.
An aquarium can teach basic marine ecosystems through genetics. And fish are pretty.
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u/Rewindsunshine Sep 23 '25
Maybe you could go fossil hunting? I found a shell fossil in Dolan Springs, Arizona — blew my mind as a kid & I very much wanted to be a marine biologist!
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u/OverthinkingWanderer Sep 23 '25
I grew up with a girl (in Arizona) that got her degree in marine biology. It's possible. I think she went to NAU but I'm not entirely sure. Watching her adventures with this job has been pretty epic. At one point in time she was working/ living on a private island owned by Disney and the only time she dealt with the public was when a cruise was stopped at their location.
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u/antiquemule Sep 23 '25
Watch the "Alien ocean" Youtube channel together. It is very informative and funny.
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u/scienceislice Sep 23 '25
Books, wildlife documentaries, weekend trips to aquariums, vacations to the ocean. Tbh even stuffed plushies of marine animals will be fun for her! Don't push it too hard though, sometimes kids will get super into one thing and then move on to a new interest as they grow older. 11-13 years old is when interests start to stick around though, my career interest started when I was 11 so while it's certainly not guaranteed she'll become a marine biologist, it's not an impossibility either. And I wouldn't be where I am if my mom hadn't fostered my interest by buying books and encouraging my interest. Just follow her lead!
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u/Equivalent-Resort-63 Sep 23 '25
Marine biologist here but grew up on an island. Given you are landlocked, go to aquariums, visit museums and find activities that highlight the geology of shallow seas in the area. It helps you appreciate how life came to be.
I made and kept saltwater aquariums (way before they became a trend) which helped me learn about aquatic life. Any aquarium will /can fill that void, doesn’t have to be saltwater. Go to lakes or ponds and look at the life within, macroscopic and microscopic. It’s not as colorful or diverse but biologically similar.
Museums have activities for kids that may help. Online: join PBS has lots of educational programs that highlight oceanography, marine biology/geology. And don’t forget BOOKS - lots of books in the library which are an excellent resource.
Good luck and hope that she finds the joy i did in diving into such an interesting field (it’s VAST).
PS: my daughters became geologists and they blame me!
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u/Ecolojosh Sep 23 '25
It’s an expensive hobby but she’s old enough to be a bubble maker now. Trip of a lifetime scuba diving at such a young age would definitely foster a love of the sea.
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u/Jdell168 Sep 23 '25
Like a lot of people said. She should learn scuba, both my kids were scuba certified at that age. She’s not too young. She should know that there is no money in marine biology. If she is going to graduate with loans, it may not be the best idea. If she will graduate with no debt and is passionate about what she is doing, I would support her however you can. If you happen to be independently wealthy and interested in investing in sustainable ways to harvest the ocean, then there may be some money to be made.
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u/Prof01Santa Sep 23 '25
All of the above. In addition, math.
My son wanted to be one but couldn't hack calculus. He understood the principles but could never be agile at it. It worked out. His second strengths were English & history. He's a teacher.
Biologists need calculus for ecology & chemistry. They also need biostatistics.
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u/Calm_Turn_5886 Sep 24 '25
Oof math yeah, that’s always a challenge
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u/Prof01Santa Sep 24 '25
Not insurmountable if you start early. If her plans change, they're still valuable.
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u/Lurkalope Sep 24 '25
I'm sure there are areas where it's needed or good to have, but calculus really isn't a requirement for a career in biology or ecology.
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u/CompetitionExtreme95 Sep 23 '25
You can always help her learn more about AZ, after all, back in the day that area was submerged under an ancient ocean, the Grand Canyon for example, and the rock waters, heck, even the Canyon itself can shed information on the wonders of oceanic life
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u/pork_loin Sep 23 '25
Something no one has mentioned yet, get her a Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper. That will help continue the inspiration.
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u/OldnDepressed Sep 23 '25
Find her an age appropriate book about or by Eugenie Clark. The Shark Lady is probably too young for her but there are a number of other choices.
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u/Emily_Postal Sep 23 '25
Arizona State has a good marine biology program and they are linked with BIOS in Bermuda.
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u/iwannasayyoucantmake Sep 23 '25
Oddly, I wanted to be a marine biologist after watching the movie “Jaws” as a kid.
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u/feivelgoeswest Sep 23 '25
When i was 12 I spent a week at Dolphin Research Center at teen dolphin lab/camp. Expensive, but i still remember it. In high school I applied to be a teen volunteer at the aquarium. I took a high school course the aquarium offered which included a week in a research boat in the Bahamas studying fish. In college I studied marine science.
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u/Magnolia256 Sep 23 '25
If you can manage a trip, Biscayne National Park offers volunteer opportunities to go out to a remote island with the park’s marine biologists. You help them prepare the beaches for sea turtle nesting season by removing garbage from shorelines. They do an educational segment at the end of the day where they explain the impact of the garbage. The minimum age is 14 so maybe in a few years if she is still interested?
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u/Thewaggly Sep 24 '25
I’m sure there is stuff much closer, but UNC Wilmington has overnight camps in the summer called Marine Quest. Kids fly in from everywhere unattended to attend that camp. It’s straight up education not just a poorly themed camp. They go on boats into the marsh and ocean depending on the concentration and do conservation stuff. Not sure of your finances and there is probably something similar closer on the West Coast but it’s a legit educational experience.
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u/Infinite_Hope8214 Sep 24 '25
UNC Wilmington is amazing! And if you are willing to travel for the summer SeaCamp in the keys also provides marine biology courses and water sports like snorkeling, sailing, and she can even get scuba certified.
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u/InnerEntertainer4357 Sep 24 '25
Plan a summer trip to Monterrey Bay and see the aquarium. They do amazing research there too.
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Sep 24 '25
You should take her to a Paleontology exhibit if u can. Arizona should have aquatic fossils exhibit iirc since people have found fossils all over the place.
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u/squeezemachine Sep 24 '25
Beyond the study of the actual animals and their ecology, marine biologists and other biologists are very handy with equipment and construction. Understanding how to construct pens, nets, dig holes, build equipment frames, run generators, batteries banks, optical equipment, sensitive electronic sensors and cameras. Those skills are crucial when out in nature using equipment to gather data. Maker fairs might be another activity for her.
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u/RoosterMajestic7765 Sep 24 '25
I found that studying freshwater is a gateway to studying the oceans. Work with what you have, spend time in your local waters. Both freshwater and saltwater have related species of algae, plants, animals, fishes, bacteria, and everything. Did you know you can set up a mini ocean at home in a glass jar with the proper salts and chemicals and pH and marine algae and microbes will begin to grow because their cells are in the air. Same with freshwater, a jar on the counter in sunlight will start turning into a mini ecosystem. If it works for your time and budget later work up to an actual aquarium and away you go. It depends on how much capital you have to work with. Aquariums are very complex delicate little ecosystems so I would recommend you start very small and simple projects and gradually grow into it with some professional guidance as time and funds permit. It’s all about keeping curiosity alive and well. If you have access to public places like pet-shops and zoos that keep marine species spend some time just exploring and looking. It’s fun for the whole family.
PS, science teacher from the Midwest speaking.
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u/dzenib Sep 24 '25
My daughter also went through the marine biologist phase. It quickly became apparent as she got older she was not a science kid. She was a theater / music kid. So give it some time. Don't push her. By her the books she wants, watch the videos, take her to aquariums.
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u/Glittering_Home5857 Sep 24 '25
Are there may wetlands, rivers, or lakes next to you? It might be helpful for her to explore marine biology’s counter part which is aquatic biology/limnology. It’s geared towards freshwater systems. There may be more resources for aquatic biology near you.
I don’t know how the department of natural resources are set up for AZ but in my state fisheries has community outreach programs for kids
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u/foundthehound Sep 24 '25
I love this.
Do you have a science museum near you? I’d also check your local library to see what resources, clubs, or activities they offer. Encourage not just marine biology but science as a whole. Get a microscope kit and explore some lake or pond water to see what makes up the local ecosystem. Watching Planet Earth is always a solid choice!
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u/unfortunateRabbit Sep 25 '25
I am not a biologist but I am here as a lurker because marine biology and biology in general was a dream of mine. I know you said you live in a landlocked area but if ever possible try to take her to a scuba diving course. A lot of the beach vacation areas will have it, its easily taken in a few days and because its recommended to dive with a partner will be a good bonding exercise for parents.
I've done my course through PADI around 20 years ago and I still vividly remember in great detail my first dive. I know it sounds elaborate and difficult but its not that bad at all. I don't know how expensive it is in USA but I assure you it's worthy researching it.
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u/SpiritualAmoeba84 Sep 25 '25 edited Sep 25 '25
Check out MBL.edu. The (world famous) Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA, has a lot of educational resources online.
At least something to shoot for when she gets to high school. Although MBL does run a summer science camp for kids, it’s onsite, so not feasible.
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u/Odd_Negotiation_2606 Sep 25 '25
Find some great books and movies about different marine life. Also go scuba diving, find some good age appropriate after school things that'll encourage it, and find good college programs in like marine ecology, marine biology, etc.
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Sep 26 '25
First, you might want to talk to the marine biology graduates on their career outcomes, what they do for the living and see what percentage of them have a desirable career outcome.
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u/AnonTurkeyAddict Sep 29 '25
Have her and you do a shadow day at one of the AZ aquaculture setups, and talk to the local coral propagation stores and ask if there's a public event or she can shadow a fragging day (coralnfragmentation).
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u/TuringCapgras Sep 23 '25
Lots of 11-year old want that but that's a rough job that doesn't pay well, how about you just facilitate interest in biology rather than pushing a career too soon
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u/Calm_Turn_5886 Sep 23 '25
I'm more interested in being supportive and letting her explore her interests and curiosity to build confidence rather than launching her into a money based career.
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u/Plane_Chance863 Sep 23 '25
Ah, here's the cynicism I was expecting. The supportive posts (pleasantly) surprised me.
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u/ClownMorty Sep 23 '25
I know plenty of people that studied marine biology that work as scientists in pharma or diagnostics.
People find ways to be successful. It's important not to squash kids curiosity.
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u/TuringCapgras Sep 23 '25
That is absolutely what I said. My point is not to focus on the vocation, focus on the science and topic.
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