From Tall Ships to Science Leadership: Meet Holly, ECOS’ Newest Voice for Adventure, Collaboration & Ocean Connection

With a career that’s taken her from marine research stations in The Bahamas to sea turtle hospitals in Georgia to life aboard tall ships, Holly Buresh-Dodd brings a wealth of diverse experiences and a deep passion for connecting people with science. Her journey hasn’t followed a straight line, and that’s exactly what makes her perspective so valuable! In this Q&A, Holly shares how her love for the ocean shaped her path, why science communication matters and what excites her most about joining the ECOS community.

Tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? What did you want to become when you got older?  What did you end up studying in school?

I was born in the great seafaring state of Nebraska. When I was a toddler, we moved to Indiana, about 15 minutes from Lake Michigan. I’m the youngest of six and wanted to do everything my older siblings and parents did. Naturally, that meant a lot of my time was spent playing sports and exploring whatever environment I was surrounded by.

I originally wanted to be a “peterinarian” (veterinarian) because I loved animals. That love grew and evolved into my passion for the aquatic environment and all of the creatures that interacted with it. I went on to study Marine Science at Eckerd College and have been surrounding myself with water ever since.

At what point in your career and/or personal life did you uncover the desire to communicate science? How has that journey progressed?

I don’t know if I actually uncovered my desire to communicate science at any particular point. I had seen science communication as part of the process. How was I going to explain the importance of surgically implanting trackers into bonefish to my 6-year-old niece in Chicago, 90-year-old grandparents in Nebraska, and all of my loved ones in between? I was always in environments where I had to explain to people what I was doing and why.

What I have noticed is how important it is to be intentional with communication. Sure, I may have fun with a casual conversation about science here and there, but I have seen how vital good science communication can be for organizations that are trying to move things forward in the name of science and education. I love seeing funding go towards a healthier Earth and want to keep those efforts moving forward!

What has life on tall ships been like? Did you ever think you’d be a captain?

The living quarters are usually small, might be a little leaky, and you can hear if someone hiccups, no matter where you are on the ship. The hours may be challenging, potentially having to be up in the middle of the night and sleep during the day. Constant cleaning and never-ending maintenance. More maintenance. But also the most beautiful views that most people could only dream of. Not having to be connected to your phone 24/7. Shipmates that have your back through everything you do, even if they aren’t your best friends. An environment where you’re empowered to be the best, most genuine version of yourself. Tall ships are a unique environment that I wish everyone got to experience. It’s not for everyone, but everyone could benefit from the experience of being on a tall ship!

I never thought that I would get to the point of pursuing my “Captain’s License”, or a Merchant Mariner Credential, as it’s called in the maritime industry. I didn’t see myself in that role on the ship, and honestly, I still don’t. I know I have plenty of knowledge to gain, and fortunately, I sail with many skilled mariners who have taught and continue to teach me what they know.

When you look back now, it probably looks like all those career moves align, but at the time it might have been hard knowing where you were headed. What has your experience been on a nonlinear path, how do you chose to prioritize things you love, and what advice you might give to someone in college that is not sure about their path?

Ha! Every time I told someone about my next adventure or new job, they would congratulate me, but I would feel this sense that they were wondering where I was trying to go with my career. Did I know what I wanted to be now that I was a “grown-up?" How did working at a research facility in The Bahamas lead to working at a sea turtle hospital in Georgia and then onto tall ships? I don’t know! I am so excited to try different things that I don’t have one job or title that is the goal. I simply wanted to be a good leader. I can 100% see the value these roles, locations, and people I interacted with have added to my life personally and professionally.

I think the key to a nonlinear path is to keep an open mind and utilize every experience, good or bad, as an opportunity to learn and develop who you are as a leader. I’ve learned so much about myself through trying different things and working outside of what’s most familiar to me that I’ve started to shed the ever-lingering imposter syndrome and now feel comfortable at any seat at any table. This has been huge for me in learning where I can be of most value to make positive changes in this world. 

I would not have been able to take the leap into some of the roles I’ve held without the support of family, friends, and colleagues. They have encouraged and supported me in taking the risk with a nonlinear career path making anything feel possible. I'd tell people of any age and career stage to reach out to me if you are looking to build your support team!

How does joining the ECOS leadership team help you align with your own personal and professional goals? What excites you most about being a part of this community?

I love the overall mission behind ECOS. Creating inclusive spaces through collaboration that bring everyone closer to science. I’ve always fit a supportive, hype-woman role personally and professionally. Being part of the ECOS leadership team provides me with an outlet for my creative energy to enhance and support those around me. I love bringing cool people together, and that’s exactly what this community is about!

Personally, I love learning and learn best from those who are excited about what they do. Not many things are more awe-inspiring than a person sharing their passion. I look forward to meeting more awe-inspiring people and trying to get their stories heard through creative outlets!

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Keep up with Holly's work and contributions to ECOS by following us on social media! Are you a scientist, artist or science communicator wanting to share your story? Get in touch!