Conrad

Interviewed by Abigail U

Are you a risk taker? Would you ever consider just hopping on a boat not having a clear idea of where you're even going? Conrad would; in fact, he did. Conrad's initial plan was to earn a PhD. In order to do so, he needed to do some research in Alaska. When he arrived here in Alaska, it was during the time of the Exxon  Valdeez oil spill. The oil completely wiped out the entire area. Due to the spill, Conrad could no longer begin his research. This was back in January 1989. He refused to work for the oil company however, because he believed the science would be skewed.One day while he was at the beach, he met some people who found him to be quite intriguing. They began asking if he was interested in marine biology and how much knowledge he had on the subject. He was offered a job, touring on a boat around the world. He accepted the proposal in October of 1989 and was off on the ocean with his wife, Carmen. Before he was even aware, he was in the end waters of the Amazon River. "My life was altered so quickly in a short amount of time," says Conrad. Now, Conrad tours as a lecturer worldwide. He is an expert on the topic of marine biology and specializes in invertebrates and sea mammals.  Students from colleges such as Harvard and Stanford visit to attend his lectures. "You never quite know whom you're going to meet," Conrad explains. He has even spoke with authors of scientific books he has read, along with other famous biologists. Conrad and his wife Carmen have a seven-year-old daughter named Eryn. She enjoys exploring the different places almost as much as her parents. She is able to tag along on many of the adventures, but sometimes has to hold back. On one occasion, Eryn had to manage seven weeks without her dad. "I really missed him. It was too long," Eryn includes. Conrad and his family are planning on taking a trip down to Antarctica this upcoming January. One of the activities on the agenda is viewing the penguins. This is Conrad's favorite wildlife species. Conrad and Carmen are opposites when it comes to exploring the world. "It has always been said that while we are walking along the beach, I am looking down while she is looking towards the sky... That way we never miss anything while we're together," says Conrad. Since they have been married, they've traveled to each and every one of the seven continents. Conrad has achieved his personal goal of playing hackysack on every continents. Conrad and his family enjoy their traveling lifestyle and love the outdoors just as well.