Sharks4Kids Ambassador Jessica Dehn

My name is Jess, and I am originally from Orlando, FL. I am a master's student at Florida State University, set to graduate in August! My thesis is focused on the population and trophic ecology of the Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae) in Florida's Big Bend. When I am not working on my thesis, I like to spend time with friends/family, work out, run, be outside, make ceramics, paint, and read. 

1. What is your favorite shark, and why?

My favorite shark is the epaulette shark because it's unique - it can be outside of water for a limited time, and it can walk on its pectoral fins.

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

I would love to dive with tiger sharks! 

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

I love curiosity, and that's what comes with teaching students about sharks. The questions are endless, and it's so fun to see things from other people's perspectives. I especially love learning from the students we teach - they oftentimes know things that I don't even know!

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

When I used to live and work in Eleuthera, The Bahamas, I did a 4-mile swim at the end of the fall season. The entire swim was such a mental game, and I remember seeing the buoy that signaled the end. I put my head back in the water, swam over a deep hole, and saw some smaller sharks swimming around. It was such a terrific

way to end the swim!

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

I wish everyone knew more about the diversity of sharks. I think a lot of the time, we default to like five sharks when we think about them because of the media. There are so many more out there, and they all can do some really unique things (like the epaulette shark!). That's what makes the "Shark Superpowers" lesson so fun.

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

Last year, my lab did a trip out to Cape Canaveral, FL. We ended up getting a large pregnant female tiger shark on our longline. Tiger sharks consistently have me in "awe, " and this experience was nothing short of that. One of our team members was able to get an ultrasound of her, and we watched it later, seeing the small, round heads of the baby tigers. It was awesome!