Michael S. Wetz
The Gulf Podcast Baffin Bay Oral History Project
The Gulf is an oral history project and podcast that shares stories about people and nature on the Texas Gulf Coast.
Alyssa Lucas
Dr. Michael S. Wetz is a marine scientist with a deep-rooted interest in sharks, plankton ecology, and water quality. His fascination with marine life began at a young age, sparked by watching the movie "Jaws" and annual family vacations to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Born and raised in a small village in southeastern Ohio, Dr. Wetz's early life was far removed from the ocean. His parents, particularly his mother, nurtured his interest by taking him to the library to read about sharks and visiting SeaWorld near Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Wetz pursued his passion for marine science at Coastal Carolina University, where he majored in the subject. During his undergraduate years, he had the opportunity to intern at the aquarium in Myrtle Beach and in a research lab at the University of South Carolina. These experiences helped him realize his interest in research, particularly in harmful algal blooms and their impact on human health. After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Wetz worked in the research lab at the University of South Carolina for almost three years. During this time, he developed his own independent project and published several papers. He then went on to pursue his PhD at Oregon State University, starting in March 2001.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Dr. Michael S. Wetz, conducted by Dr. Jen Brown on March 7, 2022, provides an in-depth look into Dr. Wetz's life and career in marine science. The interview begins with Dr. Wetz's early life in southeastern Ohio and his developing interest in sharks and the ocean. Dr. Wetz discusses his family background, including his father's work at a coal-burning power plant and his mother's various jobs. He also talks about his older brother and the influence he had on his interest in marine life. The interview then moves on to Dr. Wetz's academic journey, starting with his undergraduate studies in marine science at Coastal Carolina University. He shares his experiences interning at the aquarium in Myrtle Beach and in a research lab at the University of South Carolina, which helped him realize his passion for research. Dr. Wetz also discusses his work in the research lab at the University of South Carolina after his undergraduate studies, where he developed his own independent project and published several papers.
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