Field Notes from a Former Financial Analyst: My Graduate School Adventure in Toxicology
- Kylie Rock
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
By: Mel Walker
New Beginnings
Switching careers at this stage of life has been one of the most rewarding adventures I’ve ever undertaken. My hope in sharing this journey is to inspire others to consider their own aspirations and know that it’s never too late to begin a new professional chapter. Returning to school to pursue a Master’s in Environmental Toxicology has been both energizing and deeply fulfilling. I’ve found so much encouragement and camaraderie in my lab mates, advisor, and peers—who challenge me, keep me feeling young, and motivate me to stay the course. I’m especially grateful to my advisor, Dr. Kylie Rock, for taking a chance on me. I spent last summer acclimating to her lab, getting to know the team, and rebuilding my confidence in learning and mastering new technical skills. That early exposure gave me a strong foundation for a successful first year of graduate study.
Tracing Pollution Through Shark Populations
My first research project has taken me deep into the world of coastal ecosystems, analyzing samples from two iconic locations, San Francisco Bay in California and Willapa Bay in Washington. These samples were collected by amazing collaborators: Dr. Meghan Holst from UC Davis and Dr. Taylor Chapple’s Big Fish Lab at Oregon State University. The work is part of a broader study led by my advisor, Dr. Rock, and funded by a Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) small grant. Together, we’re investigating how urban development affects the way contaminants build up in shark species that call these bays home.
Sharks, Alligators, and Microplastics—Oh My!
In addition to the Save Our Seas Foundation project, I’ve had the chance to dive into several other exciting research efforts. One involves partnering with a fellow Clemson grad student to develop a protocol for identifying and quantifying microplastics in everyday seafood products like canned tuna and salmon. We also launched a new shark study with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SC DNR) to explore how feeding habits differ between species and how that might influence contaminant levels in their bodies. Last August, we completed a pilot field season and even caught juvenile sharks! On top of that, I joined a team sampling alligators with one of our lab’s collaborators, which was something I never imagined doing when I started grad school. Every step of the way has been filled with memorable moments and new experiences that continue to fuel my passion for this work.
Shark Science on the South Carolina Coast
This summer, most of my time has been spent traveling back and forth to Charleston, SC for field work, collaborating with the SC DNR, to continue catching sharks in estuarine areas off the South Carolina coast. These excursions have been eye-opening and thrilling to say the least and have made me deeply appreciate the hard work that goes into collecting and preserving samples in the field. The blood and tissue samples we collect are currently being tested for total mercury (THg), and we are coordinating with other labs to perform PFAS (per- and polyfluoro alkyl substance) analysis and Stable Isotope Analysis (SIA). It’s a privilege to contribute to research that brings together such a diverse and talented community of scientists from multiple institutions.
Reading, Researching, and Rethinking Environmental Impact
When I’m not learning how to analyze samples, I am reading for my Master’s program, immersed in literature on microplastics quantification techniques, PFAS testing methods, SIA sample preparation techniques on shark blood and tissue samples, and the unique ecological characteristics of our sampling locations. This research has not only expanded my scientific knowledge but also deepened my appreciation for how science shapes our understanding of and response to environmental challenges.
Finding My Voice, and My Place, in the Scientific Community
I have also had the opportunity to present my research at two conferences: the Society of Toxicology (SOT) in Orlando, FL, and at the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), Carolinas Chapter meeting. Sharing my research and connecting with other scientists has been an inspiring part of this process. This new chapter is a far cry from my earlier career in accounting and finance—but it’s a change I’ve fully embraced. I feel energized and passionate about the work I’m doing. It has been a big shift, but a profoundly meaningful one and I am so grateful to be a part of the scientific community. I may still not know what I’m going to do when I grow up, but I will most certainly enjoy the process of figuring it out.
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