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Carl Beaver

Carl Beaver, Researcher Department Habitat Research Location St. Petersburg

Degrees / Certifications

B.S. Biology, Minor Mariculture. Corpus Christi State University
M.S. Biology. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Ph.D. Wildlife & Fisheries Sciences. May 2002. Texas A&M University, College Station

Certifications include: PADI, SSI, NAUI Open Water & Advanced Open Water Diver; NAUI Nitrox; IANTD Scientific Nitrox Diver; IANTD Gas Blending; IANTD Tri-mix Diver. Certified Deep Rover Submersible pilot.

Education / Experience

I completed my undergraduate work through the Department of Science and Technology at Corpus Christi State University. This program, which had a strong reputation for field studies, exposed me to a host of different environments throughout the southwest. I later enrolled in the Master in Science Program at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi because of the unique opportunity to work in the offshore Gulf of Mexico environment. While in the MS program, I was fortunate enough to travel through much of South and Central America on various expeditions. In 1996 I became only the second student to be accepted in the Cooperative Ph.D. program at Texas A&M University (TAMU). While at TAMU, my research focused on the productivity of artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. After graduation, I accepted a post-doctoral position with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, where I worked with world-renowned scientists like Dr. Don Walsh, Dr. Wes Tunnell and Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Recent Projects / Interview Body

What are you working on now?

Today I am the project manager for the Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The project conducted under USEPA and NOAA grants monitors change in the coral reef resources of the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas

Was work in your current field your original career interest; why or why not?

Prior to any formal training as a marine scientist, I worked as a corporate engineer for an industrial baking company. Engineering came naturally to me. I enjoyed the hands-on aspect of engineering and the fact that when I finished, I could actually point to something and say “I made that.”

Corporate engineering can be challenging though. The pay was good, but the hours were often very long. That, coupled with the stress of deadlines and ever decreasing budgets, convinced me to return to school and work at a job in which I was more comfortable.

What would you say is your biggest accomplishment?

I think my greatest accomplishments to date have been in educating people about the beauty and value of the coral reefs and increasing public awareness of how individuals can help preserve and protect those reefs.

What do you like most about your career?

My career is a million dollar experience. By that, I mean people all over the world pay millions of dollars to experience the beauty and magnificence that is a coral reef. I’m fortunate to make a living by studying coral reefs and sharing that experience with people.

What do you like least about your career?

It has been disheartening to watch the decline of these spectacular environments over the years and feel helpless to prevent the decline. The challenges facing marine habitats today are daunting and far beyond the control of any one individual. It would be very difficult to see something that’s been such a big part of my life disappear forever.

What are some of your biggest challenges?

My biggest challenge is the same challenge facing every inhabitant of the planet. How do we continue grow and prosper while at the same time maintaining the viability of the environment in which we live? I believe that is the root question that all environmental scientists are trying to answer.

My next biggest challenge would have to be funding. Funding for research is never adequate even in the best of economic times.

What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing a career in your field?

There is no substitute for a well-rounded education. Math and science are still important, but today’s scientific issues are driven by cultural, economic, and political concerns as well. It helps to have an understanding of all of these disciplines. In addition, teamwork has become critically importance in modern scientific research. Research teams can include scientists from any number of multi-disciplinary and multi-national backgrounds. You must be able to function as a team in order to address the enormity of the issues that face our world today.

In December 2006, Dr. Carl Beaver passed away. Carl was a colleague, mentor, but above everything else, friend to all. We will all work hard to carry on Dr. Beaver's legacy and continue his projects.