Marvel Comic Features Mote Marine Scientist

SARASOTA, FL — Being a scientist is cool. Being a scientist featured in a comic book might be even cooler. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s Dr. Tracy Fanara can attest to that thanks to the latest edition of Marvel Comics’ “The Unstoppable Wasp.”

Fanara is featured in the series’ latest edition, written by Jeremy Whitley and illustrated by Elsa Charretier. “The Unstoppable Wasp” tells the story of the Hank Pym’s daughter Nadia. As a super genius and scientist, the daughter of the original Ant-Man has assembled a team of girl geniuses to help her change the world with science. The lab featured in the comic is called G.I.R.L., which stands for Genius In action Research Labs.

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“Being featured in a comic book is a dream come true, and it's even more amazing that I am featured in this particular comic book,” Fanara said in a statement. “'The Unstoppable Wasp' is about females in science working together for a common cause. I am so proud to be featured in a comic book that encourages females to get involved in science. I hope this book serves as another way to show women of all ages that there is no stereotype to smart, that science is cool, and that anyone can be a scientist or engineer with some passion and hard work.”

Unlike other comics that have a regular column featuring readers’ letters at the end, “The Unstoppable Wasp” has a question-and-answer section that contains interviews with female scientists. That is where Fanara makes here appearance in “The Unstoppable Wasp #5 ‘Agents of G.I.R.L.”

Fanara is an environmental engineer at Mote, tasked with managing the organization’s Environmental Health Program in Sarasota. She and her team are responsible for investigating the effects of freshwater and marine chemicals on public health. They also seek to design ways to alleviate their impacts. Fanara also oversees Mote’s Beach Conditions Reporting System, which provides condition reports for 31 beaches along the Florida's Gulf Coast.

Fanara has also taken a strong role in Mote’s mission to educate the public about the red tide organism found in the Gulf of Mexico. Karenia brevis is a naturally occurring algae species that can cause fish kills and release toxins into the air that create respiratory complaints in humans.

“These complex blooms change continually, and one beach might be affected while a nearby beach is clear,” Mote officials explained in a statement. “Fanara and colleagues help the public separate myth from fact regarding red tide impacts and other environmental issues, working to support safe beach days and healthy living in the Sunshine State.”

To check out a digital copy of “The Unstoppable Wasp #5,” visit Marvel Comics online. Copies are also available at local comic book shops.

To keep up with Fanara’s work tracking local beaches, check out Mote’s reporting website.

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Photo and graphic courtesy of Mote Marine Laboratory