From Veterinary Medicine to Shark Research: How Field School Changed My Perspective

Author: Peyton Conley

As someone who has spent over a decade working in veterinary medicine, I’ve always been passionate about caring for animals—especially those that are often misunderstood, like Pit Bulls, Dobermans, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and many others. But there was another world calling me — the ocean and the misunderstood creatures that inhabit it. Because I’ve always been drawn to advocating for animals that are unfairly judged, it felt only natural that I would be captivated by one of the ocean’s most misunderstood groups—elasmobranchs, particularly sharks.

I knew there had to be a way to speak for these incredible animals, just as so many people advocate for misunderstood dog breeds. That led me down a path of researching sharks and sharing what I learned with anyone willing to listen. Along the way, I realized that conservation isn’t just about changing the minds of adults—it’s about inspiring the next generation. That realization became the foundation for my Color Our Oceans series, which uses art and coloring to make marine education fun, engaging, and accessible for all ages. While developing the series, I also searched for opportunities to become directly involved in shark conservation. That’s when I discovered Field School. It checked every box: hands-on shark research, scientific data collection, and the opportunity to learn about shark behavior in the field. When I received my acceptance email, my heart skipped a beat. Every late night, every hour of research, and every step toward this goal had led to that moment.

Facts and Mythy about the Salmon Shark

Facts and Myths about the Pyjama Shark

Stepping onto the research vessel surrounded by scientists, students, and conservationists was both exciting and humbling. This wasn’t just about seeing sharks—it was about understanding them. I had the opportunity to assist with scientific fieldwork, collect data, learn research protocols, and interact with species in their natural environment, especially nurse sharks. Watching researchers work together toward a common goal gave me an even greater appreciation for the dedication behind marine conservation. But one of the most inspiring parts of the experience was the photography team. Seeing creative individuals work alongside scientists to tell the stories of these misunderstood animals and the people who are there protecting them showed me how powerful visual storytelling can be. It helped me realize that my own artistic background could play a meaningful role in conservation.

Peyton Conley assisting with scientific fieldwork, collecting data, and learning research protocols

Peyton Conley assisting with scientific fieldwork, collecting data, and learning research protocols

Peyton Conley assisting with scientific fieldwork, collecting data, and learning research protocols

Peyton Conley assisting with scientific fieldwork, collecting data, and learning research protocols

Peyton Conley assisting with scientific fieldwork, collecting data, and learning research protocols

Peyton Conley assisting with scientific fieldwork, collecting data, and learning research protocols

That experience became the inspiration for SaltyFinCo, my creative platform dedicated to ocean education, conservation, and marine-inspired artwork. Through photography, illustrations, coloring books, and educational resources, I hope to help people see the ocean through a different lens. Field School taught me that conservation takes many forms. Some people contribute through scientific research, while others educate, create, and tell stories that inspire action. I’ve realized that my path combines all of those passions—using photography to capture meaningful moments, artwork to educate, and my veterinary background to better understand and advocate for wildlife. Field School wasn’t the end of my journey; it was the beginning of the path I was always meant to follow.

Peyton Conley freediving with sharks in the open ocean.

Peyton Conley freediving with sharks in the open ocean.

Photo Credits:

Freediving Photos — David Mansell @aquamandavee 

Research Expedition Photos — Field School & Alex Morgan @alexmorgphotography Coloring Pages — Peyton Conley @_SaltyFinCo_