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So Much To Do, So Little Time For Doug Blansit, volunteering at the South Carolina Aquarium  is one of many ways to experience life outside MUSC Photos and story by Heather Murphy, Public Relations A little girl whoops with delight as a hermit crab inches across her palm.  Mom crinkles her nose and takes a step back. While children visiting the aquarium tend to be fearless at the touch tank, sometimes parents need a little reassurance when it comes to animals like the horseshoe crab. Doug Blansit, assistant library professor at MUSC and South Carolina Aquarium volunteer, looks at the child and smiles.  A visitor takes a look at the touch tank before testing the waters. “The kids are always so interested in the exhibits,” said Blansit. “Sometimes answering questions at the touch tank exhibit is like a battlefield, but I still enjoy it.”  Knowing how inquisitive children can be, Blansit sees his volunteering as an opportunity to not only answer questions, but to teach future generations to respect and appreciate all of South Carolina’s wildlife. Originally from Atlanta, Blansit moved to Charleston six years ago and began work at the MUSC Library with the Environmental Hazard Assessment Program.  Blansit attended college at Georgia Tech where he earned his bachelor’s in chemical engineering. He also has a master’s in Pastoral Studies and a master’s in Library and Information Sciences. With an array of hobbies including volunteering, amateur radio, and learning the Finnish language, it’s questionable if Blansit really ever has “spare time.” “I enjoy languages. I’m on this mailing list for choral music and it recommended a CD by a choir in Helsinki,” Blansit said, “I realized that I knew nothing about Finland and the more I learned, the more amazed I became. Soon I found myself on a plane to Bemidji, Minnesota for a language camp.”  Blansit explains just how big the “cute little alligator” will get. About 10 feet, Blansit said. He dedicates every other Saturday to the aquarium where he is an exhibit guide, meaning that every hour he moves locations and divulges information.  “I really enjoy the mountain exhibit and the touch tank. With the touch tank, people can interact with the animals that live in our environment,” Blansit said, “It gives them an idea of why we think these creatures are so interesting and important.” The touch tank includes horseshoe crabs, whelks, hermit crabs, sea urchins, starfish, sponges, and sea anemones.  Even the noisiest of children fall silent when he explains the “mermaid’s purse,” actually an egg case from either a skate or a shark.  “When the aquarium first opened, I investigated and felt that it would be a good fit because I enjoy nature so much,” Blansit said. Blansit asks the group why they believe the alligator’s nose is on top of its mouth. The aquarium offers many different volunteer opportunities including aquarist assistant, exhibit guide, school programs, hospitality team, and divers (certified). All volunteers must complete an orientation and training session before working in an area. “Doug sends us a million ideas and has helped to institute some changes around here,” said Patricia Brooke, director of volunteer services for the aquarium. “His mind is always going. He’s definitely one of our best volunteers.”  Because the aquarium is always reviewing its exhibits and looking for new ways to present information, Blansit’s research skills come in handy. He’s also submitted quite a few ideas for future exhibits. As much as he enjoys the time he spends at the aquarium, he still wishes for more hours in the day.  “I enjoy wildlife, pets, photography, jogging, hiking, and reading. The problem is that there are so many things I’d love to do but there isn’t enough time to do half of them.”     ON the SIDE MUSC is full of extraordinary people who do extraordinary things, both at work and “On the Side.” Whether it's flying an airplane or volunteering in the community, it's interesting to know what these folks are up to when they leave the campus. If you know of someone who should be featured in this new monthly section, call Heather Murphy at 792-3621 or e-mail her at murphyhl@musc.edu.    Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.