Sharks4Kids Ambassador Casandra Shearstone

I am a veterinary technician and pursuing a degree in marine biology. My passion is shark research and conservation. I enjoy scuba diving and advocating for our ocean.

1. What is your favorite shark, and why?

My favorite shark is the thresher shark because of how beautiful it is. Threshers have a long tail and big eyes that make them quite adorable, but aside from being so cute, they use their tail as a whip to stun their prey!

2. What is one species of shark you would like to dive with?

I would love to dive with a white shark! Jaws obviously didn’t scare me as a child.

3.  Why do you want to teach students about sharks?

I love being able to share my passion about sharks and through my teaching I hope to influence a future generation of shark and ocean advocates.  

4. Can you tell us a little about your experience with sharks ( diving, research..etc) 

I am a volunteer at New York Aquarium in shark husbandry. I assisted on a shark tagging trip in Montauk, NY (with Dr. Craig O’Connell). I also assisted with a deterrent barrier and collecting data for white sharks in Cape Cod, MA.

5. What is one thing you wish everyone knew about sharks?

I wish people knew how vital they are to our oceans and that they are nothing like the media portrays them to be.

6. What is the most incredible moment you have had with sharks?

I was swimming with lemon sharks, and one swam right by my face. We made eye contact that changed my life forever.