- Title: Ph.D. Candidate at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Dr. Marianne Porter’s Florida Atlantic Biomechanics (FABlab) Laboratory and Owls Imaging Lab Assistant at FAU Lab Schools
- ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7875-955X
- Role: Education and Outreach Community and Findability Working Group member
- Relevant background: Big picture = functional morphology and biomechanics of marine megafauna (shark and cetacean) vertebrae. I’m specifically interested in how vertebral shape and internal mineralized structures are related to swimming mechanics and how much variation occurs along the vertebral column and across species.
Educational Background
Jamie began her academic journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, where her fascination with vertebrate anatomy first took root. This passion blossomed during her volunteer work with the Marine Mammal Stranding Program, which led to an honor’s thesis focused on marine mammal parasites. Driven by this early interest in the biology of marine mammals, she pursued a Master of Science in Biology at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Now, as a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate in FAU’s Integrative Biology Program, Jamie is furthering her research into the complex anatomy of large marine organisms, using advanced imaging technologies like micro-CT scanning
Career Milestones
Jamie’s career has been shaped by several key experiences that have guided her research path. During her undergraduate years, she gained valuable hands-on experience as a volunteer with the marine mammal stranding program. This led to a deeper interest in marine vertebrates and prompted her to conduct her honor’s thesis on parasites in marine mammals.
A pivotal moment came in 2016, when Jamie was selected for the prestigious NOAA Hollings Fellowship. Her research internship in Alaska exposed her to the starkly different world of marine science in the cold waters of the Pacific. This experience fueled her growing interest in large marine organisms.
After graduating, Jamie worked as a rescue biologist with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in 2019, where she gained further experience in the field of marine biology. That same year, she was accepted into the Ph.D. program at FAU, where she began applying cutting-edge technologies like micro-CT scanning to her research.
In January 2021, Jamie ran her first-ever micro-CT scan at the FAU Lab Schools Owls Imaging Lab, and by 2022, she had vertebral images published in the renowned “Biology of Sharks and Their Relatives, 3rd Edition.” Her dissertation research focused on using micro-CT to examine thresher shark vertebrae—a project that garnered significant attention from the press, with interviews by the New York Times, NSF Science Now, and the World of Sharks podcast.
Involvement with the NoCTURN Network
Jamie joined NoCTURN in 2023 after being awarded the Jim Elliot Grant from Tomography for Scientific Advancement (ToScA). Through ToScA, she was introduced to NoCTURN and has since become an active member, participating in various initiatives aimed at advancing non-clinical tomography.
She has contributed to both Findability and Education/Outreach. Jamie provided crucial feedback on the development of the NoCTURN educational kits, contributing an owl pellet scan for future kit use. Additionally, she has collaborated with the University of Florida (UF) to use their GE Phoenix micro-CT scanner to examine large whale vertebrae as part of her dissertation research.
Passion for the Field
Jamie is deeply motivated by the challenges and possibilities inherent in studying large marine organisms using micro-CT. “What excites me about my research is how I can study individual vertebrae on a microscopic scale, then expand that understanding to larger anatomical contexts,” she explains. “For example, when examining a single vertebra, I ask myself how it might behave in a sequence, or within a larger vertebral region of an organism.”
Looking to the future, Jamie is eager to see how the resolution of micro-CT technology will improve, allowing for even more detailed analyses at smaller scales. “I’m especially excited about NoCTURN’s commitment to improving non-clinical tomography through FAIR principles—making data Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable,” she shares. “This will open new doors for research and education alike.”
The potential for educational outreach is also a driving force for Jamie. At FAU Lab Schools, micro-CT data is integrated into lesson plans as early as kindergarten, and the students love it. Jamie hopes to expand these efforts on a larger scale, introducing students to the fascinating world of non-clinical tomography.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Outside of their academic pursuits, Jamie stays active by running and weightlifting. She is also an avid baker and enjoys spending time at home with her two cats, Bojangles and Hootie.
Advice for Emerging Researchers
Jamie encourages emerging researchers to take full advantage of networking opportunities and to ask plenty of questions. “I was intimidated when I first started working with CT scanning,” she reflects, “but I wish I had discovered NoCTURN earlier in my career. The community here has saved me from many headaches, and it’s a great place to learn from experts and peers.”
Final Thoughts
Looking ahead, Jamie is excited to continue advancing her research on marine vertebrates and to contribute to the broader goals of the NoCTURN Network. “I’ve learned so much already, and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received from this community. I’m eager to keep learning, and I hope I can help other members in the future as well.”