Samantha Siedlecki

Dr. Samantha Siedlecki is an assistant professor at the University of Connecticut in the Department of Marine Science. She is the lead PI on a project supported by NOAA Research’s Modeling, Analysis, Predictions, & Projections (MAPP) Program. Dr. Siedlecki’s work focuses on modeling biogeochemistry in the ocean, specifically the exchanges between coastal and open ocean.

What drew you to this career or field?

I have always been fascinated by the ocean since I was little. In high school, I volunteered at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, where I grew up. I thought I wanted to study whales and dolphins, but as I got exposed to more subjects within marine science in college, I was really drawn specifically to the carbon cycle and became curious about questions that revolved around chemistry and physics.

What projects/research are you working on now?

I work on idealized and realistic simulations. Most recently I’ve been doing regional forecasting work where we’re forecasting or projecting metrics of ecosystem health, like hypoxic conditions or ocean acidification. I try to understand what is predictable, on what time scale, and what the mechanisms behind that predictability are all within the coastal ocean. All of it revolves around trying to help coastal communities that depend on vital marine resources plan for the changes ahead on various time scales. 

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I love asking inter-disciplinary questions of problems that are relevant to societal needs and thinking about how to address them in creative ways. That problem solving aspect is the part that I love the most. 

Is there someone who you look to as a role model, someone who has inspired or encouraged you (male or female)? Tell us about them.

There are more than one. There’s people like Tessa Hill and Jan Newton, who I’ve worked with and are inspiring in different ways. Jan has inspired me with the way she brings interdisciplinary groups of people together. It’s been inspiring to watch Tessa’s career grow and show so much leadership. I was also excited to participate in the National Climate Assessment recently. Katharine Hayhoe was one of the leaders on that report -- her science communication leadership is really inspiring. 

Knowing what you know now, what would you tell yourself when you were 12 years old? Or what advice would you give to a woman just starting out in her career?

I would have told myself when I was 12, don’t listen to people who say you can’t accomplish something because you’re the only one who knows what you’re capable of. [For a woman just starting out in her career], I would say lean into the people who support you and don’t be afraid to ask them for help. I think that’s been one of the things that I’ve realized. Leaning in on your network, especially as a woman in science, leaning on the women in science has been really helpful.