College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) student and National Science Foundation postdoctoral research fellow Cam Mosley is studying how climate change is reshaping freshwater fisheries. In this first-person account, Mosley talks about growing up with a love of the outdoors, becoming passionate about applied fisheries ecology research, and the importance of mentorship in their life. 

Early inspiration from the Gulf Coast

I grew up in southern Mississippi where I spent my childhood exploring the outdoors, fishing and crabbing with my family on the Gulf coast. When I was in middle school, we took a field trip to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries office where we learned about different technologies to reduce the bycatch of sea turtles in shrimp nets; we even had the opportunity to dissect sharks. This experience made me realize I wanted to pursue a career in conservation and environmental science. 

As an undergraduate, I participated in a summer research experience … where I experienced the joy of fieldwork in aquatic systems that sparked my interest in pursuing graduate research in fisheries biology.

Understanding fish, people and the environment 

I’m passionate about applied fisheries ecology research that examines how people, fish and the environment interact with each other to produce different ecological outcomes in aquatic ecosystems. As an avid angler and fisheries ecologist, I’m specifically interested in how climate change and anthropogenic impacts influence the sustainability of recreational fisheries in lakes. I hope to address emerging challenges in fisheries science that help fisheries managers adapt to climate change, invasive species introductions and species shifts in aquatic systems.

When I was finishing my doctoral studies, I wanted to learn new computational methods and address questions about climate change impacts on fisheries. Gretchen Hansen was the perfect fit as a research collaborator and mentor given her expertise and lab philosophy. 

Supportive mentorship through the years 

My postdoctoral research mentor (Hansen) has significantly impacted my research journey through her thoughtful feedback and trust in me as an independent researcher. I have been given the flexibility and support to pursue novel research questions that make me excited to do science. … She has created a lab culture where I can thrive and have personal support as a Black and non-binary scientist. 

Advice for CFANS students of color

My advice is to find a mentor for both your professional and personal life. There may not be people with your lived experience at your institution, but you may be able to find mentors at other institutions or agencies that can support you with challenges you face as an underrepresented student.

Leverage the support and connections of allies in the field to get opportunities towards your long-term goals, and don’t get discouraged by rejection — it’s a big part of the scientific process. Lastly, you have to accept that there will be challenges and microaggressions given the lack of diversity in the field, but if you find community in science groups like Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science and the Equal Opportunities Section of the American Fisheries Society, you can move through the adversity and generate impactful science in the process. 

Telling their story

I’ve written about my connection to fisheries in the book “Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature.” My chapter, “Treasure Hunting: The Joy and Persistence of the Black Fisher Tradition,” explores the cultural, historical and personal roots of my relationship with fishing. I am a co-author on a publication called “Queer Black voices in conservation,” published in the journal Conservation Biology. Together, these projects reflect my commitment to advancing both rigorous science and more inclusive research communities.