Han Weinrich has always had a keen interest in exploring the mysteries of the ocean but being born and raised in Indiana, they did not have the chance to explore it… yet. Growing up, Han’s drive to explore the outdoors was fulfilled by wilderness survival and outdoor education classes. It wasn’t until they moved to Washington, and enrolled in an integrated ocean science program at Everett Community College that their curiosity for sea exploration peaked. The program introduced Han to oceanic research and further motivated them to explore research as a career path
After transferring to the University of Washington, Han continued their research and applied to the Washington Space Grant scholarship program. With financial obligations minimized for Han, they were able to put more focus on their future career goals. Han knew ocean science research was the career path for them, but was left pondering what their next steps will be to get there.
Han’s pursuit to a research career path was challenging, given the uprising of a COVID pandemic. Opportunities during COVID looked very different as the whole world paused. On top of a worldwide pandemic charting everyone into unknown territory, Hans’ research papers went unpublished and gaining new connections became more difficult. Their ability to keep themselves connected by signing up for email listservs, reaching out directly to faculty, and getting involved as much as they could is what helped them to find their current position.
Han Weinrich is now a Research Scientist at the Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem studies. Their work is a part of one of the only biological labs in the entire NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) network. Their lab has a large focus studying organisms at the base of the food web, including plankton and algae. Working closely alongside ecosystems and fisheries research, they have been conducting research in the Bering Sea, off the coast of Alaska, monitoring the subarctic ecosystems that support the nations’ richest fisheries. Onboard NOAA research ships, Han collects and filters water samples holding DNA, to determine which species of organisms are present in the ecosystem. What Han loves most about their position is contributing to something positive and having a clear purpose that serves their community and protects endangered species and supports important food webs.
“In the lab, I celebrate every one of the small steps we make. Within each step of the process it feels rewarding.”
Being LGBTQ+ and transgender, Han has found that not all STEM spaces are occupied by people with similar identities. By taking up these spaces, Han is actively creating an inclusive environment where more and more people know they will be welcomed. Advancing the culture inspires others to do the same, ultimately encouraging more people to be involved in STEM. Han encourages students who don’t quite know their place or path yet, to follow their passions and interests.
“Find joy and happiness in what you do (for work) but know, you are not just your career. Your career should be one piece of the whole you.”
Written by Alexandra Walters