2. 18 EARLY FALL 2016 // STEMJOBS.COM
As human curiosity leads to exploration of the oceans’
depths and technology improves, marine science experts
have recognized that we’ve only scratched the surface of
the mysteries of the deep blue sea. Covering 71 percent of
the Earth’s surface and containing 97 percent of the planet’s
water, the oceans are the Earth’s greatest natural resource, yet
humans have investigated only 5 percent of it, according to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium promotes greater
understanding and protection of oceans as threats continue
to plague the Earth’s waters. Two of the zoo and aquarium’s
dedicated STEM scientists - Josianne Romasco, aquarist
keeper and Sea Turtle Second Chance Program coordinator,
and Dr. Ginger Sturgeon, director of animal health - were
inspired to pursue their careers from a shared childhood desire
to study marine life, a love of animals, and the growing need to
protect the oceans’ creatures.
“I have known since I was about 7 years old that I wanted to
be the head veterinarian at a zoo,” reveals Sturgeon. “My mom
used to take me to our local zoo (Cincinnati Zoo) on weekends.
She was also a manager of a pet store and would often bring
home the sick or pregnant animals for us to care for until they
were healthy.”
For other young marine-life enthusiasts, it is also important
to start early by taking an active role in professional
organizations and businesses that provide exposure to
conservation efforts, marine science, and a hands-on ocean
education. Pursuing this type of real-world education is the
method Romasco notes was integral to the training that led
to her current role. Through seeking work with pet stores,
scuba retailers, and animal hospitals, she was able to accept
part-time positions during her years preceding college
while building her experience as a marine and animal-care
professional. Her previous experience caring for marine life
and understanding the ocean prepared Romasco for field
and lab work while she continued her studies.
“Throughout college I was sure to put myself
around research and conservation settings with
professors who made an impact on my studies
- so I worked in aquaculture and marine
labs, which gave me great insight into
the scientific method.”
Saving the world’s oceans
requires a strong STEM
education, which includes many
years of study by dedicated
COVER STORY // PITTSBURGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM
SAVE SEA CREATURES FOR A LIVING
BY DOROTHY CROUCH
Life-savingSTEM
fortheSea
WANT TO LEARN MORE? GO TO
STEMjobs.com/sea-turtles!

3. STEMJOBS.COM // EARLY FALL 2016 19
students who are willing to take on
this great responsibility. Sturgeon
reveals that the course of study for her
role required a bachelor’s degree in a
field related to biology or chemistry,
fulfillment of the requirements for a
doctorate of veterinary medicine, two
years of post-doctorate internship, and a
three- or four-year zoological medicine
and surgery residency.
Due to her concentration on oceanic
studies, Romasco’s education required
a slightly different course. Though
pursuing a degree in marine biology,
environmental science or biology, and
post-graduate work in a zoo or aquarium
are mandatory for her career, she was
also required to go the extra nautical
mile by gaining her scuba certification.
While students who consider STEM
careers caring for marine life at zoos
and aquariums are likely motivated
by a love for animals, these jobs also
require a strong will to
overcome difficult
circumstances.
Though certain experiences in ocean
conservation and marine-life protection
careers can be tough, the gratification of
saving defenseless creatures and their
habitats is priceless.
“I take most pride in developing the
Sea Turtle Second Chance Program here
at the zoo,” says Romasco. “Not only
is it rewarding to return once-injured
wildlife back to its natural habitat, but
what’s been the most fun is seeing other
zookeepers and staff participate and visit
the sea turtles during their rehab process
- it brings together an entire community
of support, generates awareness for the
survival of the species, and that positive
energy translates to our visitors!”
The Sea Turtle Second Chance
Program affords protection to injured
and ill sea turtles that would die without
treatment. According to the Endangered
Species Act (ESA) of 1973, sea turtles
are protected, yet 10 species are
endangered and six are considered
threatened, says NOAA. Though
these creatures are protected
by law, they are still in
danger due to factors such
as the decline of habitat,
accidental capture by
fisheries, garbage in the
ocean, and encounters
with ships.
Students who love marine life and
STEM can make a difference by pursuing
careers in ocean conservation. Whether
incorporating the technology of satellite
telemetry to track sea turtles or utilizing
engineering principles to maintain and
repair the plumbing system used to
ensure the animals recover in a healthy
environment, Romasco’s role incorporates
all aspects of STEM.
The seemingly simplest gestures can
make a big impact, so students should be
inspired to start taking action through
researching the causes of and solutions
to ocean pollution. Sturgeon reminds
students that examining the effects of
pollution is integral to aiding the cause.
“Decreasing the pollution that is
currently fed daily into our oceans is key
- whether that is aimed at trash collection
currently present in the water, decreasing
agricultural run-off leading to harmful
algal blooms, or clarifying and preventing
the causes of wide-spread coral death.”
In addition to pollution, Romasco
identifies the warm waters caused by
climate change and marine habitat
destruction as the two threats that must
be addressed to save the future of oceans.
She feels the future of marine science
lies in implementing effective methods
for humans to live harmoniously with
other creatures on this planet and cites
a fascinating, brave young woman when
relaying the urgency of these issues.
“One of my favorite quotes I have
posted on the wall in my children’s study
room that I live by is from Anne Frank:
‘How wonderful it is that nobody need
wait a single moment before beginning to
improve the world.’ Challenge accepted.”
JOSIANNE ROMASCO
AQUARIST KEEPER, SEA TURTLE SECOND
CHANCE PROGRAM COORDINATOR
DEGREE: BACHELOR’S
IN MARINE BIOLOGY
YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY: 10
STEM TYPE: ADVISOR
DR. GINGER STURGEON
DIRECTOR OF ANIMAL HEALTH
DEGREE(S): BS IN BIOLOGY, DVM
(DOCTORATE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE)
YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY: 18
STEM TYPE: ADVISOR
The zoo
is turtley
awesome!