Crista Bank, a fisheries research technician, has a diverse background in marine biology. She graduated from UMass Dartmouth in 1994 and gained experience studying coral reef ecosystems in Australia. She later worked as a marine biology instructor in the Florida Keys and participated in a distance learning project on a sailing ship. Crista's career then took her to New Bedford, Massachusetts, where she joined the sail training ship Ernestina and became involved in the fisheries observer program. She eventually joined the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST), focusing on groundfish research. Her versatile background and passion for marine biology make her a valuable asset to the scientific community and the fishing industry.

Scope and Content Note
This oral history interview covers Crista Bank's career path, including her education, work in teaching and sailing, and her experiences as a fisheries observer. She discusses her interactions with scientists from SMAST, her role as a fisheries observer on shark longline vessels, and her perspective as a woman in the fishing industry. The interview also explores the relationship between fishermen and scientists, media biases, and challenges in implementing research findings. Bank concludes by expressing her lack of interest in pursuing a master's degree after being away from school for an extended period.