Name: Shannon Howard

Occupation: Senior Biologist

With the South Carolina Aquarium since: 2003 as a volunteer and 2005 as a staff member

Hometown: Ottawa, Ohio

When I was a kid, I wanted to be: an environmentalist. I was always outside and wanted to save the planet.

I work at the Aquarium because: I’m a huge supporter of its mission. I’m so proud to be part of an organization that’s working toward making the world a better place for us, wildlife and wild places.

My day starts with: checking the animals and systems in my gallery to make sure they’re happy and everything is operating normally.

If I could be any fish in the Aquarium, I would be a: seahorse, because the males give birth. It doesn’t get much better than that!

The coolest gadget I use at work is: the diving regulator, a device that makes it possible to breathe underwater.

A perfect day at work for me would be: spending the day offshore collecting small animals in sargassum.

On the weekend I like to: spend time with my family, friends and pets.

My favorite part of my job: is participating in conservation and research projects with other institutions, such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Cape Island Turtle Project and SCDNR’s In-Water Sea Turtle Research.

If I could share a meal with any fish, it would be: the octopus. Blue crabs are mighty tasty!

An animal I am passionate about is the: jellyfish. They get a bad rap even though they are gorgeous, delicate animals. Culturing and caring for them is a challenge but so rewarding.

If I could share one conservation tip with you, it would be: Reduce, reuse and recycle! Even the smallest efforts make a difference.