Meet Einar Pétur Jónsson

This week, we’re excited to introduce Einar Pétur Jónsson, a PhD candidate and fish researcher at the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI). Einar is passionate about marine biology and has a deep curiosity for how life responds to environmental change.

Meet Einar

Einar’s favorite fish is the spotted wolffish, and when asked to choose between the lab and the field, his answer is enthusiastic: fieldwork! He prefers tea over coffee, and when it comes to seasons, he enjoys whichever one shows up with full force. As for conferences, Einar favors national ones—they throw the best parties.

What Does He Study?

Einar’s research focuses on how organisms respond to environmental changes. “Right now,” he says, “we are doing experiments to see how capelin responds to a warming ocean.” It’s a topic that’s not only timely, but also crucial to understanding the future of marine ecosystems.

Inspiration & Motivation

What inspired Einar to pursue science? “Teachers, colleagues, circumstances, and the effects we are having on our environment.” He knew from a young age that he wanted to be a biologist and a football player. Science eventually won, and he hasn’t looked back.

The best part of being a scientist? “To be able to direct my attention on the interesting parts of our world and try to steer as close to the truth as possible.”

Advice for Students

Einar has a mantra for anyone thinking of going into science—or any challenging pursuit:
“Keep it fun, nurture your interest, and read lots.”

This advice has carried him through his studies, including his favorite part of the PhD—diving for sea urchins—and the less exciting parts like paperwork and email.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Einar hopes to continue doing what he loves: staying curious, exploring the world, and sharing what he learns.