Ingredients to become a scientist: Curiosity, enthusiasm, perseverance, opportunity, and a good pinch of luck

Abstract

Writing a 200-word abstract about the life of a 76-year-old scientist, in which luck played a significant role, is not an easy task. Even knowing this scientist well (for I am talking about myself) does not make it any easier. When you notice something is not right, do not fear changing your major (I changed twice before settling on Fisheries and Marine Science). For my PhD in neurobiology, I changed again. Grab opportunities when they arise. Join field trips and expeditions, attend conferences, and spread your interests widely. Spend time in different countries, learn new techniques and languages, and always stay curious. Remain humble. I carried out speleological research in Jamaica and France, participated in a 4-month South Atlantic Fisheries Research Trip and a 3-month Bioluminescence Expedition to the Moluccas, and pioneered comparative physiological and functional anatomical research in Antarctica and the Arctic. Be adventurous. My ethnobiological field work took me to Papua Niugini, NE-India, and Central Australia. Having lived in Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, and New Zealand (I am a New Zealander currently living in Korea) and having spent sabbaticals in Brazil, India, New Caledonia, and North Korea, I consider myself a global scientist. You can become one too.