For our first Fish Sister profile of 2022, we are highlighting a familiar name from the Women of Fisheries Board – Kim Bonvechio! Kim has over 20 years of experience in fisheries research, was instrumental in developing and assessing Florida’s freshwater fisheries long-term monitoring program, and manages the American Eel research and monitoring programs for the State. She has been active in the American Fisheries Society and served as secretary/treasurer for the Southern Division. Partly because of that experience, we recruited her for the same role for Women of Fisheries. She has become so much more than that over the past few years, managing critical work for our group behind the scenes including creating website forms and editing content, webshop management, getting us online to accept donations, and documenting our discussions at Board meetings. She is also responsible for our Research Highlights blog series for the past year. Women of Fisheries has benefited from her excellent work ethic, organizational skills, and insights on life.
CURRENT POSITION(S):
Assistant Research Scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF YOUR WORK/RESEARCH:
My work primarily focuses on Florida’s Freshwater Long-term Monitoring Program, something I have been involved with since its inception.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN FISHERIES?
Including my stint as a fisheries technician before graduate school, I have worked in freshwater fisheries for over 21 years.
HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE FIELD?
I dabbled in fisheries work throughout my undergraduate journey in marine biology – from aging fish in a lab to going on a two-week cod trawl survey at sea to summer stream surveys. I was then hired as a fisheries technician at a freshwater fish research lab at the University of Florida – the first (and if I recall only) place that offered me a job my first summer after graduation. That job eventually led to a graduate assistantship and as they say, the rest is history.
WHO HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE MENTOR OR ROLE MODEL?
So many people have inspired and continue to inspire me. The two that have probably had the most impact, though, are my graduate advisor Dr. Mike Allen and former supervisor Jim Estes, who have challenged me and helped me grow the most both professionally and personally. That doesn’t diminish the collective impact of many others who have influenced my career journey in positive ways over the years. Life is not a journey we walk alone, and I am so grateful for each person who has helped shape me as a biologist.
WHO HAD THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON YOU?
This may sound cliché, but as a mom, my kids have had the greatest influence on me. We often hear parenthood can be detrimental to our careers, and maybe in some ways it is – but I also think it’s a matter of perspective. I have two daughters and have tried to raise them to go after their dreams despite the inevitable obstacles, to reach their potential and make their mark on the world. Saying that is one thing; putting actions to words is another. Being a mother has forced me to look at my life and self-reflect on my own journey. I recently started a PhD program (exactly 20 years after finishing my Masters!), in part to show my girls that yes, you can be a mom and a scientist and yes, it’s never too late to go after your dreams.
WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE GOTTEN?
Take the first step. Unsure of yourself? Do it anyway. Don’t feel ready? Do it anyway. Not sure how you’re going to do this or make that work? Do it anyway. We will never be fully ready or prepared or confident, but embrace your fears and the unknown and do it anyway. It is better to take that step and know the “what” than not and be left wondering “if.”
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW WOMEN ENTERING THE FIELD?
Appreciate your uniqueness and know your worth. None of us are good at everything, but we are all good at something. Find your niche and develop the skills to make the greatest impact with the talents and gifts you bring to table.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING IN FISHERIES?
Numbers!!! I know, I know, many people cringe at the thought of data analysis and staring at numbers all day, but for me, it is my happy place. I like being the person behind the scenes making sense of observations and helping to inform decisions.
WHAT WAS THE COOLEST EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD WHILE WORKING IN FISHERIES?
Hands down, meeting my husband! He volunteered to help me with block net sampling for my graduate research, then four years later we were married – and have since published six papers together even though we work for two different state agencies.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FISH?
The American eel – such a cool, mysterious critter!
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE?
We all have a voice, so whenever you can, lift up others and invite them to the fisheries table.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MESSAGES FOR THE WOMEN OF FISHERIES FOLLOWERS?
I would just like to say thank you – for supporting and celebrating each other, for being a part of this amazing community of women in fisheries science, for being your awesome selves. Keep on keeping on!