Inner Space Founder: Dr. Jim Tolan
Welcome to Inner Space Apparel! I’m Dr. Jim Tolan, a retired marine biologist with a passion for the ocean that has shaped my life and career. After dedicating 26 years to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Coastal Fisheries Division, I specialized in ecology, fisheries, population biology, and ecological indicators. My particular expertise lies in larval fish biology, where my journey began. The incredible transformations that fish undergo from larvae to adults not only fascinate me but also inspire this venture. As I like to say, “We know more about parts of outer space than we do about parts of the oceans”—hence the name, Inner Space.
Back in Texas, my final duty station was Flour Bluff, where I had the privilege of taking an Oceanography class taught by Mr. David Bartling. One of my tasks involved collecting plankton samples from the bay and identifying ichthyoplankton (fish larvae and juveniles) under a dissecting microscope. This hands-on experience deeply cemented my interest in larval fish biology, despite the many hours spent scrutinizing petri dishes in search of these tiny creatures. It was the most challenging academic endeavor I encountered, even after dedicating 13 additional years to higher education to earn my Ph.D.!
After my service, I pursued my academic journey, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Corpus Christi State University, a Master's Degree in Marine Biology from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, and finally, a Ph.D. in Oceanography and Coastal Science from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!). My career with Texas Parks and Wildlife was immensely fulfilling, and I’m excited to share my passion for marine life through Inner Space Apparel.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure! I hope you enjoy wearing Inner Space Apparel as much as I enjoy creating it, and together, we can celebrate and protect the wonders of our oceans.
A Life Shaped by the Ocean
Growing up in a Navy household, I was fortunate to be stationed near the ocean during my formative years. One pivotal deployment in the late 1970s brought my family to Guam, where I got certified in open water SCUBA diving. Diving among pristine coral reefs ignited my passion for marine life and solidified my desire to work with fish as a career, even as a teenager.Back in Texas, my final duty station was Flour Bluff, where I had the privilege of taking an Oceanography class taught by Mr. David Bartling. One of my tasks involved collecting plankton samples from the bay and identifying ichthyoplankton (fish larvae and juveniles) under a dissecting microscope. This hands-on experience deeply cemented my interest in larval fish biology, despite the many hours spent scrutinizing petri dishes in search of these tiny creatures. It was the most challenging academic endeavor I encountered, even after dedicating 13 additional years to higher education to earn my Ph.D.!
A Journey of Service and Scholarship
To support my education post-high school, I joined the U.S. Army for four years, serving as an 11-Bravo Infantryman. My time in Neu Ulm, Germany, and Fort Polk, Louisiana, instilled in me a saying I still live by: "Never sleep past dawn, because that's when the Indians and French attack." This motto has transformed into my routine Dawn Patrols along the Texas beaches, where I embrace the early morning hours while protecting the mainland from any marauding-types!After my service, I pursued my academic journey, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Corpus Christi State University, a Master's Degree in Marine Biology from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, and finally, a Ph.D. in Oceanography and Coastal Science from Louisiana State University (Geaux Tigers!). My career with Texas Parks and Wildlife was immensely fulfilling, and I’m excited to share my passion for marine life through Inner Space Apparel.
Capturing the Magic of the Ocean
As I continue my journey, I channel my experiences into my love for ocean photography, particularly through my "Dawn Patrol" series. These images capture the tranquil beauty of the beach at dawn, showcasing the sunrise's colors reflecting off the water and the serene landscapes that greet the day. Each photograph tells a story of the ocean’s magic, and I have hundreds to choose from, all reflecting the diverse marine life and stunning vistas that inspire my work.Thank you for joining me on this adventure! I hope you enjoy wearing Inner Space Apparel as much as I enjoy creating it, and together, we can celebrate and protect the wonders of our oceans.
