By: Maya Reid
NAVY veteran and Old Dominion University alumna, Jackie Chrabot considers herself to be a non-traditional student. "I decided to go to graduate school after having a career, being a mom of two toddlers and being a military spouse," said Chrabot. She wears many hats and now she's pursuing a Ph.D. in Ocean & Earth Sciences (OES).
Chrabot received a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences in May 2020. Chrabot retired from the Navy in July 2020 after almost ten years of service as a Surface Search and Rescue Swimmer and a Sonar Technician.
During August 2020, Chrabot started her first year of graduate school in OES but believes that her enthusiasm can set an example for other Monarchs. "I truly believe that the only limits to our careers are the ones we set ourselves," said Chrabot. "I like to think of myself as a role model to others, especially women proving there is no age limit to education, and you can have a family and a career while still being successful."
Recently, she was awarded the Department of Defense National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship, which gave her the push to take her research to the next level. "The Department of Defense is no stranger to me and has treated me well in the past, so applying for the fellowship just seemed fitting and relatable to work for them at a different angle," said Chrabot.
"This fellowship is very well-deserved," said Sophie Clayton, Ph.D. and assistant professor in OES. "Jackie has tremendous potential to make an impact in marine science with her capacity for hard work and creative thinking."
"I'd like to personally thank Congresswomen Elaine Luria and ODU Alumna Navy Commander Mario Freeman for their long-standing support," said Chrabot. "I could not have done any of this without their leadership, recommendations, and guidance over the last five years."
For veterans, obtaining a degree from ODU can be a smooth transition. "I decided to attend graduate school after having such a wonderful undergraduate experience at Old Dominion University," said Chrabot. "The professors, staff, and the students have been incredibly passionate and that was why I decided to stay for a graduate degree."
Chrabot's journey of learning matched her passion and quest for knowledge. Chrabot's initial focus was biological oceanography but the deeper she dove the more she began studying more physical oceanography. "I decided to combine both themes for my research," said Chrabot. "It's funny how your passions change the more we learn."
Chrabot is currently researching harmful algal blooms on the Lafayette River, specifically the noflagellate species Margalefidinium polykrikoides that make up a good percentage of the blooms in the Lafayette River. "I'm currently tracking and calculating their swimming speeds and how they migrate in the water column," said Chrabot. "This can help predict when they will occur and under what conditions we might see large blooms."
The overall goal of Chrabot's research is to formulate a prediction model to help agencies better predict harmful algal blooms in bays and estuaries. "Our summer plan is to complete diel vertical profile studies on the Lafayette and maybe do some comparison studies with other blooms species - the fellowship will indeed help me get there and help me focus on research itself," said Chrabot.
After graduate school, Chrabot plans to obtain a postdoctoral position and move into the federal sector. She also has a passion for teaching, mitigation and policy and would love to incorporate it into her future.
Chrabot has some advice to current and future Monarchs. "If I could use one word to describe ODU it would be support, especially in OES," said Chrabot. "There is a strong sense of community and I couldn't have done so well here without the support of my advisor, and the rest of the OES department."
During COVID, graduate students pulled together to supprt each other. "They have provided great support and motivation as we faced our first graduate school year together during COVID," said Chrabot.
"The ODU experience goes further than what is on your curriculum," said Chrabot. She's worked in Career Development Services. "I'd love to thank the women of Career Development Services, especially my supervisor, Summer Steelman, and the great College of Sciences Advisor Team Reneldo Randall, Kerri Musick, and Keith Krepcho for giving me such a great first job back in the civilian sector," said Chrabot.