Dan Lorbeske, Shedd Aquarist Animal caretaker for Amazon Rising exhibit. Cares for fish, insects, spiders, reptiles, amphibians, birds and monkey. Responsible for health of animals and maintenance of exhibits.

1. Describe how you use science in your job.
I use science a lot in my job. Chemistry is used the most on a day to day aspect for me as we collect and test water samples daily for pH, conductivity, ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates to make sure we are giving our animals an optimal environment that is well suited to the animals natural home. We also use ethology, or behavioral science to determine where to house different species based on how they will get along with and interact with other animals in the habitat. Medical science is without a doubt important here at the aquarium to make sure that our collection is in tip top shape. We also use a large amount of nutritional science to make sure our collection is getting an excellent diet. Of course a big part of science is research so that we have all of the appropriate information about all of the species in our collection and the type of environment that they will thrive in for us here at the aquarium.

2. How did you get interested in science?
My interest in science began at an age when I didn't realize I was getting interested in science, I thought I was just playing with bugs, fish, and frogs. However as my interest in these animals grew so did my desire to learn more about them and their environment, and before I realized it, I was knee deep in science.

3. What do you like to do with your free time?
Well, even though I take care of Amazon animals all day at work, I do keep a 46 gallon Amazon aquarium at home, I do enjoy reading, movies, The Simpsons, Arrested Development, going to Milwaukee to spend some quality time with family, friends, and my godchildren, and the start of my beloved Formula One season is upon us, I also enjoy Indy Car, British Touring Cars, DTM, A1GP, and GP2 races, collecting model grand prix cars and autographs, as well as playing with my cats and a little PS2 now and again.

4. Have you ever been to the Amazon. If not, what would you be most excited to see or do?
Sadly I have never been to the Amazon, but I would love to see Zebra Plecostomus, Bullet Ants, Tarantulas, and Giant Centipedes in their natural environment. As with any new place, I also love to sample local cuisine of places I travel.

5. What do you do to prevent global climate change?
I do what I can. I bought a very fuel efficient car last year, I'm careful about using too much energy at home (turning off lights and keeping the thermostat a little lower than some would prefer), recycle as much as possible, and reuse whatever I can, lets just say I have a wide collection of fast food cups, and I try to convince others to as well.

6. If you were coming along on the Trans-Amazon Expedition what is one thing that you couldn't live without?
Sun block.