Q+A with Student Researcher Hailey Binkley

Are you interested in having a future in wildlife research? If this is why you are here, you are on the right page. Panoramic Ocean is so psyched to announce the launch of its first-ever interview series. 

Today, on Panoramic Ocean, I'm excited to host a Q+A with Ms. Hailey Binkley, who's an undergraduate researcher, friend, and inspiration. I have known Hailey for what feels like my whole life, and no one can match her work ethic. She is amazing!

Without wasting any further time, let's quickly ask some questions and get responses from Ms. Hailey.

Howdy Hailey. I am so happy that you agreed to let me pick your brain. Could you tell our readers a little about yourself and your experiences with nature?

Well, as you already may have guessed, I'm Hailey Binkley. I am the loudest and proudest Aggie of the class of 2021! At Texas A&M University (TAMU), I study Wildlife and Fisheries sciences. Ever since I was a young girl, I have loved the outdoors and participated in FFA, volunteering at animal shelters, etc. A huge though life-shifting experience was when I had a fantastic opportunity to participate in a week-long intro into shark research course. That shark research trip acted as a domino effect that led to my aquarist internship at the National Aquarium and, ultimately, my job as a student research assistant at TAMU and volunteer work at the TAMU aquaculture facility.

Hailey during her shark research course. (2020)

Wow, already, I can tell you've done a lot for your professional career. I wanted you to be our first guest on our interview series because you are so relatable. So I have some "for fun" questions.

How do you think your closest friends would describe you?

 Caring, funny, motivated, and selfless.

You find a genie lamp and are granted three wishes. What do you wish for?

Endless fishing t-shirts, living in south Florida (the most beautiful area of the U.S.), and happy family and friends<3

Who is someone that you look up to?

Temple Grandin is an autistic woman who improved slaughterhouses for livestock by making them more humane. At the time, the livestock industry was thoroughly a man's world, and she was not given the time of day or treated with respect. Eventually, she successfully pushed her ideas into the livestock world and improved animal welfare for the industry. I hope to do this for food fish one day and get involved with the aquaculture industry (a field dominated by men). 

I'm buying you a drink at the bar, what are you ordering?

Either a bloody mary or a mojito, depending on the vibe!

So to accomplish everything you have, you are highly educated and someone with an incredible work ethic. Let's talk about how education and your work ethic have opened amazing opportunities for you. 

What made you pick Wildlife and fisheries?

My long-term dream was to be a veterinarian. That's the beautiful thing about dreams; they evolve as you evolve. I noticed that my wildlife classes had wholly captivated me, and that was the realization that led to my major change. I am 100% happy with the switch I made and have never looked back!

How have you been involved in your university? 

I have been super involved with my university. My extracurriculars involve

• being a member of the American Fisheries Society TAMU Chapter,
• a student researcher under the TAMU Riverscape Ecology lab, and
• volunteering at the TAMU Aquaculture Research & Teaching Facility.

One of the big highlights is when I got involved with two research labs my junior year. I am currently involved with the Riverscape Ecology lab as a student researcher for a Ph.D. student project. In the future, I am planning to lead my own project during the fall semester of 202, focusing on the ecology of the invasive Gangetic Asian swamp eel. This semester, I plan to research with another professor focusing on feed nutrition for fish raised in an aquaculture setting. As you can tell, I am doing the most during my college years. 

Most Interesting class you took?

Ichthyology, it's a course about the natural history of fishes. I know it sounds nerdy, but hear me out. When I was taking this class, I was also simultaneously interning at the National Aquarium. So I was working with the fish I learned about in the lecture. I also appreciate the diversity of fishes and all of their different adaptations.

What is your most significant piece of advice for someone about to start college?

Get involved early, ask professors for research opportunities (one of my biggest regrets is not knowing this was a thing), start studying for tests two weeks in advance ( it will make your life so much easier). When applying for internships or work positions, it's okay to get rejected- it means that you're trying and there is an opportunity for growth. Surround yourself with friends that motivate you. As long as you are giving your all, there is nothing to regret. Most importantly, don't forget to take time for yourself to have fun. You have your whole life ahead to be an adult!

This is all fantastic advice, Hailey! I want to dive deeper into your research experience. 

Hailey during a Texas A&M University field research trip. (2021)

Can you please describe what student research is for someone who has no foundational knowledge?

 Professors have labs in which they accept graduate students seeking a master's or Ph.D. to complete their higher education. The graduate students come up with a research project related to the specialty of the professor. These research projects require helping hands which are where undergraduate students become involved. These students assist as lab technicians or field technicians for these projects, giving students desirable experience for their resumes and an excellent reference! Also, the graduate student can allow the undergraduate students to be co-authors on the academic paper that is birthed from the research project. Getting your name on a paper is a huge resume booster! Some labs also give undergraduate students the opportunity to lead their own research projects and another opportunity to get your name on an academic paper.

Walk us through how you got involved in research?

The first lab I joined I found out about through my major's (Wildlife and fisheries) email list. That first lab I was involved with for about a year. I gained great research experience but moved onto a subject matter I was more invested in.

The second lab I joined (and presently work for) I found out about through joining the TAMU chapter of the American Fisheries Society. I approached the professor who sponsored the club and asked if he knew of any opportunities. I did not join the second lab right away because I was volunteering in another lab. However, I took the initiative to stay in touch with the professor because I knew that I would eventually transition to his lab. The kick I needed to join was I realized that I wanted a career with fish and was lacking relevant experience on my resume. 

After completing an internship during the 2020 fall semester at the National Aquarium, I finally felt confident to ask to join his lab and knew for a fact that I wanted to do research. Something that is preached in the science field is "timing is everything," and that could not be more true. I applied to the second lab as one of the lab workers was graduating. This allowed me to start work in the lab immediately.

So what exactly is the research you are involved in? 

I am involved in the TAMU Riverscape Ecology lab. My boss, Dr. Perkin, describes it as: "Work in our lab focuses on the conservation and sustainable management of freshwater fish diversity, understanding reasons for its decline, and developing approaches for mitigating threats in Texas, the southern Great Plains, and beyond. We address questions regarding species- and community-level change across spatial and temporal scales using a variety of study approaches, including meta-analyses, field experiments, natural snapshot and trajectory experiments, landscape modeling, and molecular techniques. Our work strongly emphasizes how anthropogenic environmental manipulations, either destructive or restorative in nature, cause shifts in fish abundance, distribution, and community structure."

What does a research field day look like?

In the simplest terms, early mornings, long car rides, navigating rugged terrain on foot while carrying gear. You are really at the mercy of the elements. You may have a research trip planned for months, and then last minute, it is canceled due to weather. I've had to do hours-long work in water that is cold and deep. The length of a field day can be anywhere from a day to a week long. It's hard work but being a part of something bigger than yourself is truly special. 

What is something you have struggled with within the research field?

Fieldwork can be physically demanding. I get fatigued easily, so it has been an adjustment to get used to working all day outdoors and carrying around heavy gear in uneven terrain. Another aspect of field work people should consider is that you don’t always get to go home at the end of the day. Right now I’m having a blast on our week long field outings but when I’m older with more responsibilities and wanting to settle down I will consider a different lifestyle.

Advice for someone who wants to participate in research at their university but does not know where to start?

Ask your professors after class or during office hours if they have any research opportunities that you can participate in. It is good to mention what you are interested in because if they don't have any present opportunities, they can direct you to a professor that does. When applying for any position, the person hiring wants to know that you want to be involved and care about their work. That means you need to do your homework and study up on the research the lab is conducting, read the lab's published academic papers, and know some background on the professor leading the lab. When emailing/talking to the professor, talk about why you are interested in their lab (VERY important), give a brief overview of relevant experience that will be of asset to the lab, attach your resume or CV. 

Some parting advice is the people that you choose to surround yourself with matters. I have incredibly motivated friends that were a part of different labs/ clubs, so I received great advice from them. These friends helped guide me to the path I am currently walking.