Life as a Marine Research Assistant

Have you ever wondered who helps make marine science happen behind the scenes?

In this episode of Ocean Pod, we’re joined by marine research assistant Rhiannon Van Eck to explore what it's really like to work behind the scenes in a marine science laboratory. From seafood fraud and fish ageing to microplastics, science outreach, and graphic design, Rhiannon's role spans an incredible variety of projects that keep research moving forward.

We discuss what a research assistant actually does, what a typical day looks like, and how the role differs from that of a PhD student or academic researcher. Rhiannon also shares how her background in graphic design has become a valuable part of communicating science, and why creativity and communication are just as important as technical skills.

Join us as we go behind the science and discover the people who help turn ideas into research!

Nina's tide talk this week spoke about a recent study that used eDNA to find traces of the giant squid in Ningaloo reef - read it here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/edn3.70261

Bronwyn spoke about a new Aboriginal-led south coast sea urchin enterprise: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-17/nsw-government-grant-aboriginal-led-sea-urchin-enterprise/106627704