Five Questions with Jesse Senko, School of the Future of Innovation in Society

1. Tell us about yourself…

I’ve been fishing all my life, basically since I was in diapers. I studied fisheries and wildlife as an undergrad and master’s student, and got my PhD degree in Biology here at ASU, and I’ve always wanted to do something that would increase the sustainability of fishing while not making things harder for fishers who can barely make a living as is.

2. Why did you choose ASU?

I came to ASU because of the proximity to the Baja California peninsula of Mexico and the vast array of different fisheries there and their interactions with endangered wildlife. You would think that it would make more sense to do your PhD in marine ecology on one of the coasts, but ASU had so much to offer in terms of their interdisciplinary nature, it was the perfect place for me. When we needed a renewable power solution to illuminate fishing nets, one of the best solar power research centers in the country was a 5-minute walk across campus. There’s so many resources here, and such a culture of collaboration. You’re not going to get that at a lot of places.

3. What’s the most rewarding part of your work?

Working with the fishermen. I love to fish myself and so automatically we share that passion for being on the water. They realize that I’m trying to help them sustain their way of life, and it’s amazingly rewarding.

4. How about nicknames? Do you have any nicknames?

(Laughs out loud) That’s crazy that you asked that. They used to call me “Chaparrito” which means “little sweet child" in Spanish. Usually that nickname is reserved for toddlers, but whatever. Now they call me "Tortuguero", which is “turtle man".

5. You’re from the northeast – Love Tom Brady or hate him?

Ahhhh – I grew up in Southwestern Connecticut, about a 45 min train ride into NYC. So, I’m a New York fan – Yankees and Giants – and naturally I hate him.