Everyone knows that Terry Donaldson, PhD, is the principal investigator and project director of Guam NSF EPSCoR, but not everyone is aware of his journey as an ichthyologist. When did this interest in marine biology begin?
For Donaldson, it began as a child growing up by the cold lakes of Michigan and following the adventures of Jacques Cousteau through books and television series. It was no surprise that he developed an admiration for fish, having spent a great deal of his childhood snorkeling to find them or catching them with his grandfather.
Donaldson earned his doctorate in Ichthyology which led to him studying various species around the world including New Zealand, Japan, French Polynesia, the Solomon Islands and Guam, where he has been serving the University of Guam’s Marine Lab for over many years.
“Fish can be really beautiful to look at,” said Donaldson, noting that he can enjoy just watching and observing the sea creatures, from physical characteristics to their behaviors. Astounded by the sheer diversity – thousands of species, that we know of – he finds fulfillment in the discovery of new species as well as new observations on existing ones.
One of his most recent publications details the communication behaviors of squirrelfish, which reflects his interest in bio acoustics that stems from undergraduate studies at Michigan State University.
The paper, titled “Production of sounds by squirrelfish during symbiotic relationships with cleaner wrasses,” observes nine species of Holocentridae (squirrelfish) and how they use acoustic signals to communicate in their interactions with cleaner wrasses.
Throughout this life-long journey in Ichthyology and marine biology, Donaldson has also ended up in several leadership positions including principal investigator and project director of Guam NSF ESPCOR and the former head of UOG’s Marine Laboratory.
Most recently, he was elected as President of the National Association of Marine Laboratories in January of this year.
With decades of experience in research and leadership, he subscribes to the belief that learning is a lifelong endeavor.
“Every day I come through the door and I learn something new. Often people in this building teach me or just (through) interacting with other people, I learn something new,” he said nothing that EPSCOR’s successes are not just from his leadership but because he has a talented team working with him.
“Don’t be afraid to get your feet wet!” Donaldson said, offering a piece of advice to those just starting their careers.
He believes in the importance of trying new activities and cultivating interests that can be useful years down the line. This belief has certainly proven true for this scientist, whose love for marine animals started well before his own career took off.
