Shark Week: Meet Karizma Acosta

Q&A with Sharks4Kids Volunteer Karizma Acosta

Bio: I'm a PhD student based in Miami, FL, but originally from Massachusetts. I bring my own brand of “Karizma” wherever I go through hard work, passion, and the crucial good vibes. Working in the marine science field allows me to bring my personal passions into my research and it's a dream come true.

1. What is your favorite species of shark and why?

I don't really have a favorite shark species. I'm amazed by how diverse sharks are! I love the frilled shark's (Chlamydoselachus anguineus) prehistoric look and crazy teeth; zebra shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) skin becomes darker in warmer waters, threshers (Alopias sp.) jump out of the water at impressive heights and they also hunt using their long tails (up to half they're body!), and nurses (Ginglymostoma cirratum) have a special place in my heart for their BADDITUDE!

2. What is one shark you would love to tag/study/dive with? 

I would love the opportunity to study a Greenland shark! I hear that they have some interesting parasites, like copepods!!!!

3. Tell us a little about your research.

My research focuses on the parasites that feed on the sharks found in South Florida.  The goal is to test if parasites are able to be used as environmental monitors for ecosystem quality or even heavy metals and toxins. Sampling for this research highlights nonlethal sampling methods for these parasites.

4. For most of us, parasites seem pretty gross (I am offended by them LOL), but why is learning about them and how they affect sharks important? 

Parasites are found all around the world, in every ecosystem, very successful organisms. With so many parasites and so little work being done on them, I love the idea of adding to this knowledge base. Parasites are affected by their environment like their hosts! Maybe there's a chance that if they can tell us about the environments and their hosts, they can help us help their hosts and them, even if they're gross. Not all heroes wear capes!!!

5. What has been your coolest shark moment? 

So far it has to be when after sampling seagrasses and enjoying the beach a little, a citizen hooked a small nurse shark, rod and reel style. Three interns and myself had a surprise shark work up right on the beach, and releasing the little nurse shark following a successful work up. 

6. What started your interest in marine science and sharks?

When I was a kid I loved The Little Mermaid but always wondered why Ariel would ever give up life under the water! The animals and environment have always captivated me, but my love for sharks came well after my love for parasites though. I actually thought that I would start off with animals like jellyfish or octopus. Sharks have always been seen as "scary monsters", but even monsters deserve understanding!

7. What piece of advice would you share with students who are interested in working in marine science/biology? 

Make your goals happen in your time. Regardless of how everyone else is moving, make your moves, at  your speed, in your time. It will all work out!!!

Photos taken by Nola Shoder