Today on the Beyond Jaws podcast, Maria Cristina Oddone from Brazil shares her research on sharks and rays. Dive into the cellular level of shark science with her fascinating work. Join hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert as they explore the evolution of shark science from the early days of fear and curiosity to the diverse fields within the field today. Discover the incredible work of shark scientists like Maria Cristina Odane and expand your knowledge beyond jaws.

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• Maria Cristina Oddone's Accomplishments: Maria Cristina Oddone is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse range of interests and passions. She has made significant contributions to the field of shark research, particularly focusing on skates and skate egg cases. Her work in developmental biology, embryology, reproductive biology, taxonomy, phylogeny, fisheries, and conservation of chondrichthyans has been widely recognized. Maria has published over 75 papers and book chapters, showcasing her expertise in the field.

• Passion for Running: In addition to her academic achievements, Cristina is an avid runner. She started running at a young age and has continued to pursue this passion throughout her life. She competes in various distances, including 3, 5, and 10 kilometers, and is currently training for a half marathon. Running provides her with a mental escape and has even sparked creative ideas for her work while on the track.

• Love for Poetry: Cristina's talents extend beyond the scientific realm. She has been writing poetry since the age of 12 and has a deep appreciation for the art form. Despite not sharing her poetry widely, she dreams of organizing her poems into a book someday. Her ability to express herself through poetry showcases her creativity and introspective nature.

• Animal Rescue and Love for Cats: Cristina's compassion for animals is evident in her dedication to animal rescue. She has rescued four cats and a dog, all of whom were taken in from the streets. Her love for animals, especially cats, is a significant part of her life and reflects her caring and nurturing personality.

• Balancing Multiple Passions: Maria's ability to balance her academic career, running, poetry, and animal rescue is truly remarkable. She finds time for each of her passions, demonstrating her commitment and dedication to the things she loves. Despite the challenges of juggling multiple interests, Cristina's drive and perseverance allow her to excel in various areas of her life.

• Advice for Young Aspiring Scientists: Cristina's journey serves as an inspiration for young individuals aspiring to pursue a career in science. Her advice to not give up on dreams, despite obstacles or discouragement, resonates with those facing similar challenges. Maria's story highlights the importance of perseverance, passion, and support in achieving one's goals and making a meaningful impact in the world.

• Maria Cristina Oddone shared a personal anecdote from her childhood where an old friend of her mother's discouraged her from pursuing biology and oceanography, stating that it was a useless career choice. Despite facing this discouragement, Cristina remained determined to follow her dreams.

• She highlighted the crucial role her parents played in supporting and encouraging her aspirations, providing her with books, opportunities, and unwavering support.

• Cristina's journey serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite being told that her chosen path was not valuable, she stayed true to her passion for biology and oceanography.

• Her advice to young people is to continue pursuing their dreams and not give up, even when faced with skepticism or negativity from others. She believes that with effort, work, and perseverance, anything is possible.

• Cristina's own experiences exemplify the power of determination and belief in oneself, showing that with dedication and persistence, one can overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

• Maria's ability to quickly learn and teach a subject, such as embryology, showcases her talent and dedication to her work and students. This was evident when Maria mentioned that she wanted to teach embryology but felt she needed to enhance her knowledge in that area. She took a course in embryology and then successfully secured a position as a substitute professor in the field. This demonstrates Maria's proactive approach to learning and her commitment to providing quality education to her students.

• Cristina's willingness to take on new challenges and quickly adapt to new subjects highlights her versatility and passion for continuous learning. Despite not having prior formal education in embryology, she was able to grasp the concepts efficiently and effectively teach them to her students. This ability to quickly learn and teach a complex subject like embryology reflects Cristina's intellectual acumen and dedication to her role as an educator.

• Cristina's success in teaching embryology also underscores her strong work ethic and determination. By taking the initiative to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills in a short period, she exemplifies a proactive and dedicated approach to her professional development. Her commitment to enhancing her expertise in embryology not only benefits her own growth but also enriches the educational experience for her students, showcasing her dedication to providing high-quality instruction.

• Overall, Cristina's ability to swiftly learn and teach a subject like embryology exemplifies her talent, dedication, and passion for her work and students. Her proactive attitude towards professional development, coupled with her commitment to delivering exceptional education, sets her apart as a highly skilled and devoted educator in the field of shark science and academia.