Herpetologist Interview

Ashling O’Connell

September, 2015

Interview With A Future Life Scientist

Interview With Life Scientist Ashling O’Connell

I: What is herpetology?

A: Herpetology is the study of all reptiles, amphibians and caecilians.

I: How did you first become interested in being a herpetologist?

A: I first became interested in being a herpetologist when I around fifteen. I had never liked dogs and cats like the other kids. I was fascinated by snakes, bugs, bats and rats. Anything that a person may have been scared of, I loved. When I learned that my job could include being around animals that I was memorized by, I was hooked. I am so happy I am able to be doing a job that I love.

I: Can you name a scientist who was a hero or role model for you? What did

that person do to inspire you?
A:Definitely!

The first one that comes to mind is Jenny Daltry. In the field of herpetology there are not many women, which came sometimes discourage girls to become herpetologists. She became a herpetologist despite what people said and though. I really admire her for that. If she has not been a herpetologist, I don’t think I would have been as motivated to join this career path. She was one of the first herpetologists I heard of so she had a big impact on me. Jenny also discovered that Siamese Crocodiles, which were previously thought to be extinct, were actually still a living breathing species. She has changed the field of Herpetology and I hope to one day become half as great as she

is.
I: What sort of education and training did you need?
A: In college, I got a bachelor degree in biology. I then went to get a master’s degree in biology while specializing in herpetology. There was no specific degree for herpetology, so specializing or writing your thesis in herpetology is usually your best bet if you want to get into the field. I luckily ended up with the opportunity of an internship to a well-known herpetologist and it was then that I decided to mainly focus on snakes.
I: What sorts of tools and technology do you use in your work?
A: One of the biggest tools I have to use in my work is a snake hook.

It helps me pick up potentially dangerous snakes and bring them back with me to the lab. I have tanks back in my lab so I can examine the snakes in a more controlled situation. I always try to have a camera with me so I can take photos of any species of snakes I find. I also have a microscope to more closely examine the reptiles I bring in. For safety reasons, I use gloves and goggles and I always have antivenom for whatever snake I am working with.

I: What has been the most exciting moment of your career so far?

A: I have two instances that come to mind. One was the first time I saw a sea snake. It was an incredible experience that really changed how I saw snakes. It’s so different to see how they move in the water than on land so it was really cool to see. The other time was when I was bitten by my first snake. It was not poisonous but it still hurt a lot. I does not sound like it should be an exciting moment but after I was bitten was the first time I really felt like a herpetologist.

I:If you could solve any problem in your career, what would it be, and

why?
A: A lot of people judge me for being a herpetologist and I wish that would not happen. I want people to become more aware of snakes and how they are not trying to hurt you. Snakes are such amazing creatures and I wish more people would have the opportunity to appreciate that. People are scared of animals that I study for a living and sometimes that can be hard.
I: What is your favorite species of reptiles?
A: My favorite species of reptile would have to definitely be a type of snake. I’m not exactly sure what type though. If I had to choose, it would be the Barbados threadsnake which is the smallest species of snake on the planet. They are usually around 10 cm and they are about the width of spaghetti string. It really shows that anything can be a predator. The snake doesn’t let it’s small size stop itself.