Spend 5 mins with one of the most inspiring ladies I have had the pleasure of working with this year. I met Liv whist filming Belly Of The Beast for Shark Week 2024!
*What was the inspiration for your project / company and how long had you been working on it before launching?
As a marine biologist, my main research focus is exploring the relationship between top marine predators and blue carbon ecosystems, particularly sharks and seagrass meadows. I was inspired by the intricate links that top predators like sharks can play in helping to potentially protect these ecosystems that are a nature-based solution to climate change.
*Can you share with us what a typical day looks like for you?
As a research coordinator and marine biologist, my days vary significantly throughout the year. When our expedition series is in full swing, my time is dedicated to strategically planning and preparing for fieldwork. This includes meeting with collaborators, ordering and organizing research equipment, planning field days, and leading the expeditions. When I am not required in the field, I spend my time analyzing data (e.g., tiger shark tracking data), writing research papers, and working in our science lab.
*The industry that you’re in now, was that always a career pathway you wanted to explore? And if not always, what sparked your initial interest?
YES! A marine biologist was and still is my dream job. And I made it happen! (With a lot of work and studying) Before becoming a full-time marine biologist I worked as a zookeeper and high school science teacher back in the UK.
*Do you have a highlight experience from your years of work in the creative space?
Highlight experience has been the opportunity to study, observe and work with the world’s top ocean predators – sharks. Particularly tiger sharks. They are truly stunning. I’ll always remember the first time I worked up a young tiger shark in The Bahamas. She was a juvenile and hadn’t developed her stripes yet, so she had these perfect spots. Feeling her skin, made up of tiny dermal denticles, was smooth one way, but if you brushed against them, they felt like sandpaper, leaving me with what we call ‘tiger burn’ – it was wild!
*Can you share something that may surprise people about what could go on behind the scenes of your work?
When I’m in the science lab, I spend many long, challenging days meticulously grinding and processing sediment collected from seagrass meadows. It feels a bit like an adult sand playground, but the work has significant implications. I am investigating the organic carbon stored in seagrass meadows and quantifying how much carbon they absorb from the atmosphere to help mitigate climate change.
*Where would we find you in your spare time?
In my spare time you can find me by any body of water – either playing volleyball on the beach, running by the Charles river or swimming in one of the lakes surrounding Boston. I always like to be near/in water to be honest! Water baby from the start.
*Best advice you’ve ever been given?
We’re all just on a spinning piece of rock so we may as well enjoy it whilst we’re here!
*Social media
Instagram: @livdixon14
Linkedin: Olivia “Liv” Dixon
Website: beneaththewaves.org
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