Ocean Careers

Michiko Martin
Education Coordinator, National Marine Sanctuary System

As a young girl, Michiko Martin wanted to do something that related to the water. So she begged her parents to buy her an aquarium, which they readily agreed to do. Little did they know that their daughter's fascination with things aquatic would later translate to successful careers as a U.S. Navy oceanographer and meteorologist, and now as the national education coordinator for the National Marine Sanctuary System.

Chief among her goals is to increase understanding, awareness and appreciation of the ocean, and especially the national marine sanctuaries. Michiko works with a network of teachers and ocean education leaders from around the nation to enhance ocean literacy, educational partnerships, and educational offerings for children, teachers and adult learners.

When you really love what you do, it's not work.

"Many people, young and old, have a strong emotional connection to the ocean," said Michiko. "My challenge is to translate that enthusiasm to good stewardship. A popular misconception is that the ocean is large and infinite and thus can take care of itself. As an ocean educator, I show individuals how their personal choices and actions directly affect the ocean-the ocean on which their very lives depend."

Michiko's first memory of the ocean was learning how to swim. Living on an island in the Pacific, a young Michiko learned to swim in the salty, tropical waters and catch fish that later found their way into her aquarium.

Years later, she entered the U.S. Naval Academy with an eye towards an English major. "An ocean career was not my first choice," Michiko said. "But in my junior year at the academy, I discovered that the Navy offered more employment opportunities for graduates with science and engineering backgrounds. So I changed my major to oceanography and fully embraced studying the wonders of the ocean world."

During her time in the Navy, where she attained the rank of lieutenant commander, Michiko directed the daily operations of an office providing environmental support to naval forces operating from Okinawa, Japan; assisted in the operation of global atmospheric and oceanic models at the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center in Monterey, California; and taught undergraduate oceanography and meteorology courses to midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy.

Today, in addition to a bachelor of science degree in physical oceanography from the Naval Academy, Michiko holds a masters of science in educational leadership from Troy State University, and a masters of science in oceanographic engineering jointly awarded from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.

"We are at a critical time for ocean education. Superficial knowledge inadequately prepares individuals for making informed decisions about complex ocean issues,  Michiko noted. "To even begin to address balancing conservation and use in ocean ecosystems, people must understand the importance of the ocean to their daily lives and appreciate the impact of their decisions on ocean health."

With success comes great satisfaction. Michiko never feels that her job is a grind. "When you really love what you do, it's not work. And to those considering a career in the ocean world, go after your dream - do something you really love, and personal and professional rewards will follow."