Marine Molecular Biology: An Interview With Yasmin Meeda
By Stephanie Macdonald
Marine biology is using the powerful methods of molecular biology to answer a variety of evolutionary and ecological questions. During the past two decades, the development of sophisticated molecular technologies and instruments for biomedical research has resulted in significant advances in the biological sciences. We can now understand the natural world in unprecedented ways. Yasmin is a Marine Molecular Biologist studying at the University of Plymouth and the Treasurer for the Royal Society of Biology. Her research focuses on diatom response mechanisms and the potential biotechnological applications. We’ll get to know more about the woman in the lab coat and why you don’t have to scuba dive to be a marine biologist!
Hey Yaz, thank you for taking part in an interview with WOS! Please could you tell us about yourself?
Hey, thanks for having me! I’m Yasmin, but most people call me Yaz. I was born and raised in the UK and I am of mixed heritage, Indian and English. I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Brighton in Biological Sciences and I am now studying marine molecular biology at the University of Plymouth.
What inspired your journey into marine biology?
As a kid I’ve always been interested in science in general, whether that was keeping ant farms, getting a microscope for my birthday or visiting a space museum. I have always loved every aspect of biology, so I would read about scientific discoveries, and ask questions as I always wanted to know more. After learning that over 90% of the ocean remained unexplored, I knew that there were so many unanswered questions, and it was then that I knew that I wanted to study the oceans. This was surprising to many family members, as I could not dive (I still can’t, even now) and I was not a strong swimmer - I would usually sunbathe on family holidays rather than going swimming, crazy, right?
My love and appreciation for the ocean grew through books and documentaries, and it wasn’t until more recently that I started to go snorkeling to experience the ocean! My journey was inspired by the unknown, and that will continue to fuel my passion for exploring the marine world.
Can you describe what your path into marine molecular biology was like?
I would say that my path is probably different from most people who get into marine science. For me, I am extremely indecisive when it comes to big life decisions, and even small decisions, too. While it is true that I love the oceans, I was worried about specializing too early on in my research career, so, when it came to choosing an undergraduate degree, I went for a broad approach and studied biological sciences. In my final year, I decided to tailor my dissertation to a marine-related topic which focused on marine ecotoxicology. It was during my undergrad that I realized I could be a lab-based marine biologist and the idea appealed to me a lot.
After university, I was still undecided about what career path to take, and I ended up working for a year as a data analyst which gave me time to reflect on what I wanted to do. It was while I was sitting at my desk that I realized I belonged in a lab, and I then applied for my masters in marine molecular biology.
Let’s talk marine molecular biology – could you tell our readers a little about this field and what it involves?
Marine molecular biology is a broad field within the scope of marine biology, and while some scientists use molecular tools to answer ecological problems, others can use them to aid human technological advances. The main idea behind this field is that we, as scientists, use similar tools to other molecular biologists, but rather than studying mice, plants or humans, we study marine organisms. An overview of the different types of marine molecular biology research areas includes virology, genetics, microbiology and immunology. Most of the molecular techniques we use in the lab can be applied to terrestrial biology too. For example, I use a molecular tool called Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR, which is currently being used to test for COVID-19, showing the versatility of these techniques.
You are currently completing a MRes, please could you describe the research you are doing now?
My current research project focuses on understanding how a type of marine microalgae (diatoms) are able to sense and respond to fluctuating phosphorus conditions. Diatoms are an ecologically important organism as they produce around 20% of the oxygen we breathe. Diatoms can form algal blooms when exposed to favourable conditions and when the conditions change, they are able to halt growth therefore conserving energy, suggesting they have a well-adapted sensory mechanism. My work aims to highlight the proteins that are used in this pathway with the hope to understand these important organisms more, and for potential use in biotechnological applications.
What does a typical day in the life during your MRes look like for you?
I am pretty much lab based, apart from when it’s time for data analysis or writing up my findings. I very much doubt I will get the chance to go out in the field, as my samples are usually collected for me from people who go out on the boat and bring them back to the lab.
A typical day for me will include spending around 8 hours in the lab collecting data, before being able to go back to my desk to write up my findings. I tend to use various lab techniques, depending on what my research is for that day. What I love about lab-based research is that every day can be different, depending on what the previous results are.
How can molecular biology help shape the future of our oceans?
This is a brilliant question, and I believe that the future is now, especially as the United Nations have declared 2021-2030 the decade of the oceans! The idea of moving towards a blue economy (sustainable use of the ocean) is at an all-time high and it just goes to show the power of the ocean.
Marine molecular biology has already had an amazing impact on human lives as there have been emerging treatments for inflammation or cancer taken from deep-sea sponges. By being able to use molecular tools to aid discoveries that tie the ocean and humans together can increase awareness surrounding its protection. I am someone who loves conservation and believe the oceans need to be saved at all costs, however, I can see how some people who don’t have any type of connection to the ocean may look the other way. This is why it is important to make as many links between humans and the oceans, as the more connections we have to the oceans more potential conservational efforts will be put into place.
I am very positive that there will be many new discoveries in marine biotechnology over the next few years, whether they are pharmaceutical, cosmetic or biofuels, and I hope that with this, it will encourage more people to explore this exciting field.
Where do you see marine science taking you in the future?
I would love to be able to utilize marine resources in biotechnological applications, although I am not sure what field. The microalgae world has already seen some great applications, including, food supplements and cosmetics, and I would love to work in this field to develop sustainable products, whatever that might be.
As you know, at WOS we’re HUGE advocates for science communication. We want to know more about your role in scie comms?
I LOVE science communications and hope to do a lot more of it in the coming years. At the moment I am a Treasurer for the Royal Society of Biology – Beds, Essex & Herts Branch where, as a team, we come together to arrange outreach events for people within our region. This is a role that I love doing, I get to meet people of all ages with one common love, biology. It is with this position that I decided to take the leap and create a science communications platform on Instagram to share my stories about being a woman of colour in marine science to a wider audience. I want to show people that you don’t have to look or act a certain way to get involved with science. I hope that by sharing my story more girls will be encouraged to do what they love, even if its questioned by many.
Let’s talk about women in science. What’s your personal experience of being a female in marine science? And what do you think the future holds for women in your field?
For me personally, I have not had any negative experiences within the marine science field, although I am yet to hold a stable position in a related job. I believe that despite the bad press surrounding gender inequality, I think that if you work hard, speak up when you can and be heard then women have the power to do anything. I am a strong believer that the future is female, especially as we have so many role models to look up to.