Featured Scientist: Brian W. Bowen - 03.02.2015

Meet Brian W. Bowen, Ph.D.
Research Professor
Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology

Hometown: Providence R.I.

Occupation: Researcher

Research Interests: Resolving how marine biodiversity is produced and maintained. These studies focus on the genetic connectivity of coral reef communities across the Indo-Pacific region, with a special focus on the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

Interests growing up: As a kid I spent summers snorkeling in Cape Cod Bay, where I learned to appreciate marine life, especially fishes. I also maintained about a dozen aquariums in the basement of my family home. This taught me about the diversity of fishes and aquatic life.

How I got into Marine Science: As a high school senior I was told to forget about a career in marine biology, so I tried to be a biomedical engineer in college. After two years I flunked out, lacking the discipline to pursue a profession outside my interests. After that, I decided to focus on what I love, and got a B.S. in Biology from Providence College, and a M.A. in Marine Science from V.I.M.S. There I realized that genetics could reveal many aspects of marine biology, and subsequently completed a Ph.D. in Genetics at University of Georgia.

Scientific Mission: Learn how marine biodiversity is produced and maintained, with practical applications in marine conservation.

Advice for Young Scientists: There are many more scientists out there than available jobs. If you want a career in science, you have to be devoted to your field. Hobbies? Forget them. Outside interests? Gone. T.V.? Get rid of it. Science has to be your life.

Questions for Brian? bbowen@hawaii.edu

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