Wednesday February 11th, 12-1 pM PT

Pike Spector

In this talk, Pike will describe his background as an enthusiastic phycologist and marine scientist, his professional and career developments, and the roller coaster ride that took him from the field to the Ocean Protection Council. From wet and drysuits to more formal attire, the purpose of this presentation is to showcase alternatives for eager ecologists who may be looking for career options outside of traditional academic pathways. Themes include marine ecology, field and laboratory research, and entry points into policy.

Pike (he/him) joined the California Natural Resources Agency as the Ocean Protection Council’s Biodiversity Program Manager in May of 2023. In this position, Pike leads efforts to support the state’s goals of understanding and protecting the vital aquatic ecosystems that support California’s unique and diverse marine communities. Specifically, Pike is helping develop the state-wide Kelp Restoration and Management Plan, as well as projects to support kelp research and restoration. Pike came to OPC after working as a marine scientist for Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary in Washington State, where he supported marine research projects across the Olympic Peninsula. Prior to this position, Pike was a California Sea Grant Fellow with Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, and then a contractor for the sanctuary’s research team. As a marine ecologist, Pike’s research has taken him across the Aleutian Archipelago and across the California coast down to Baja California. He earned a Master of Science from San Diego State University, and a Bachelor of Sciences from UC Santa Cruz. Outside of work you can find Pike surfing, rock climbing, hiking with his dog, playing banjo, and riding his motorcycle.