We watch other people in science careers and wonder, how did they get where they are? How did they get to do what they're doing? What did they overcome? How can I do what I want? (And what if I don't know what I want?) Here we show real professionals answering these tough questions. These are people across the sciences who come from various backgrounds, career stages, and positions in the science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) fields. They’re working to expand science’s point of view and perhaps inspire the next generation of scientists.

Chang Liu- Marine technician and Geochemist, Texas A&M University
Credit: Karen Romano YoungFrom Inner Mongolia to Texas: this shipboard laboratory technician assists scientists conducting researching for the International Ocean Discovery Program.

Ian Cortez- Roughneck aboard the JOIDES Resolution
Credit: Karen Romano YoungHe followed in his father’s footsteps to become part of a research drilling team, leaving his home and family in the Philippines.

Dawn Wright- Chief scientist, Environmental Research Systems Institute (ESRI)
Credit: Karen Romano YoungShe mapped her route from Maryland to Hawaii — then learned to map the deep ocean, diving in submarines and traveling the seven seas.

George Matsumoto- Senior researcher and education specialist, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute
Credit: Karen Romano YoungThis California kid fell in love with the sea and the woods — and with introducing others to these environments. To research or teach — or both?

Melinda Martinez- Ecologist, Ph.D. candidate, North Carolina State University
Credit: Karen Romano YoungThis graduate student’s works to understand the “ghost forests” forming as sea levels rise. She learned fieldwork in Mexico — and isn’t scared of alligators.

Marta Torres- Marine geochemist, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University
Credit: Karen Romano YoungA Costa Rican kid with a “solid gold” head, she credits her father for helping her build the confidence to direct shipboard science.

Lisa D. White- Micropaleontologist and director of education and outreach, University of California Museum of Paleontology
Credit: Karen Romano YoungShe wanted to share her view of the natural world through her camera lens, but switched to research. Now she uses a different lens: a museum. Her audience? The next generation of people who have a science identity -- maybe you.

Keri Nelson- Research station administrator, United States Antarctic Program
Credit: Karen Romano YoungKeri was born in Korea and adopted by Americans. How far would you go to feel at home? How many professions would you try before you found your place?

Pete Girguis- Professor of organismic and evolutionary biology, The Girguis Lab
Credit: Karen Romano YoungThis son of Egyptian immigrants says he wasn't much of a student, but now he leads a laboratory at Harvard University.