Dragon Face in a New Place: Jon Bell-Clement
Jon Bell-Clement, often known as Jon B.C., is the new Oceanarium director. He oversees the Oceanarium, making sure all the animals are well cared for, and works with campus partners and the community to coordinate events. He also leads students enrolled in the Oceanarium class and those working in the Oceanarium.
Q: What was your prior position like?
A: Initially, I was an adjunct and then a fixed term instructor in Biosciences. Some of the courses I’ve taught include vertebrate and invertebrate zoology, lots of labs, aquatic biology, animal handling, and ecology and evolution.
Q: Has anything surprised you in this new director role?
A: It’s a loaded question because literally everything. Some things need upkeep and maintenance and we have animals that weren’t here before. If you don’t go to the Oceanarium for even a few months, things can change drastically.
Q: What inspired you to take on this position?
A: I’ve always loved the Oceanarium. When I first came here, I couldn’t believe we had a facility like this in Fargo-Moorhead: stingrays and sea urchins and starfish and jellyfish in the geographic center of the continent. I was immediately enamored and wanted to help out as much as I could. I believe in it wholeheartedly.
Q: If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would it be?
A: Australia. I went to New Zealand earlier this year for three weeks, and it was breathtaking. Australia has amazing animal diversity. You’ve got the Great Barrier Reef, the outback, the most venomous spider in the world, the most venomous jellyfish in the world, and the most venomous plant in the world!
Q: What is your favorite ocean animal?
A: My favorite changes every day because my professional emphases are science communication and biodiversity. I want people to know about every single kind of crazy animal there is, including the ones we don’t think about as animals. But if hard pressed for an answer, my current fave is the sea cucumber.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve been given?
A: You’re never too good to ask for help, or never be afraid to ask for help and use your connections. The people available to you want to help.
Congratulations, Jon B.C.!