Today on the Beyond Jaws podcast, Maria Cristina Oddone from Brazil shares her research on sharks and rays. Dive into the cellular level of shark science with her fascinating work. Join hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert as they explore the evolution of shark science from the early days of fear and curiosity to the diverse fields within the field today. Discover the incredible work of shark scientists like Maria Cristina Odane and expand your knowledge beyond jaws. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeKInstagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas Website: https://saveourseas.com/ Dave:  Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG Maria Cristina Oddone's Accomplishments: Maria Cristina Oddone is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse range of interests and passions. She has made significant contributions to the field of shark research, particularly focusing on skates and skate egg cases. Her work in developmental biology, embryology, reproductive biology, taxonomy, phylogeny, fisheries, and conservation of chondrichthyans has been widely recognized. Maria has published over 75 papers and book chapters, showcasing her expertise in the field. Passion for Running: In addition to her academic achievements, Cristina is an avid runner. She started running at a young age and has continued to pursue this passion throughout her life. She competes in various distances, including 3, 5, and 10 kilometers, and is currently training for a half marathon. Running provides her with a mental escape and has even sparked creative ideas for her work while on the track. Love for Poetry: Cristina's talents extend beyond the scientific realm. She has been writing poetry since the age of 12 and has a deep appreciation for the art form. Despite not sharing her poetry widely, she dreams of organizing her poems into a book someday. Her ability to express herself through poetry showcases her creativity and introspective nature. Animal Rescue and Love for Cats: Cristina's compassion for animals is evident in her dedication to animal rescue. She has rescued four cats and a dog, all of whom were taken in from the streets. Her love for animals, especially cats, is a significant part of her life and reflects her caring and nurturing personality. Balancing Multiple Passions: Maria's ability to balance her academic career, running, poetry, and animal rescue is truly remarkable. She finds time for each of her passions, demonstrating her commitment and dedication to the things she loves. Despite the challenges of juggling multiple interests, Cristina's drive and perseverance allow her to excel in various areas of her life. Advice for Young Aspiring Scientists: Cristina's journey serves as an inspiration for young individuals aspiring to pursue a career in science. Her advice to not give up on dreams, despite obstacles or discouragement, resonates with those facing similar challenges. Maria's story highlights the importance of perseverance, passion, and support in achieving one's goals and making a meaningful impact in the world. Maria Cristina Oddone shared a personal anecdote from her childhood where an old friend of her mother's discouraged her from pursuing biology and oceanography, stating that it was a useless career choice. Despite facing this discouragement, Cristina remained determined to follow her dreams. She highlighted the crucial role her parents played in supporting and encouraging her aspirations, providing her with books, opportunities, and unwavering support. Cristina's journey serves as a testament to the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite being told that her chosen path was not valuable, she stayed true to her passion for biology and oceanography. Her advice to young people is to continue pursuing their dreams and not give