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By Danika Villanueva
My name is Danika Villanueva. I’m a student at San Diego City College studying Biology. My interest in the STEMSeas program stems from a passion for learning about how research works and learning about conservation, whether it be on land or in the ocean. I am currently onboard the E/V Nautilus sailing on Expedition NA160, which focuses on seafloor mapping, mainly in areas of the ocean that haven’t been mapped yet. Our journey started in Hawaii, and we are now headed to Canada. This is day 4 of our expedition: The day started off with a great breakfast followed by an equally great presentation on Pacific marine biogeography by Dr.Pirlo, where we learned the study of the distribution of species in geographic space through an assignment in which we focused on the evolutionary distribution of an animal of our choice.
After that, a fellow STEMSeas student, Marisol Gonzales, and I went into the telecommunication area for a Ship-to-Shore interaction with fifth graders, who greeted us with so much enthusiasm and questions it was contagious. In the Ship-to-Shore activity, I realized how important science communication is in inspiring other people, especially little kids who are just being introduced to the many possibilities that come with studying science. Science communication is an amazing way to promote and encourage the imagination and possibilities of science to kids worldwide. I also realized how much I still had to learn about the ship, its missions, and all the capabilities onboard. The Ship-to-Shore interaction was definitely a challenge for me as it was my first time doing it. Still, the smiles and energy the kids demonstrated throughout the Zoom video call made the experience one I will always remember.
From left to right: Dani, Emily, & Mari
After our Zoom call, we had lunch and waited for our next lecture by our mentor, Alondra Infante. Alondra focused the presentation on teaching us the methods and strategies we should follow to have a clear vision of who we want to become in our careers. Alondra’s presentation stayed with me as I thought about my goals, what I wanted to achieve, and what I had already achieved. Our next lecture after lunch was on digital media and strategies. Our science communicator, Larkin Bohn, gave us a presentation on the different social media apps we could use to communicate the science we are doing and to find connections to other people in science. Larkin also gave us a great lesson on how to edit short videos to post on these platforms. We then had dinner, and our final activity of the day was an amazing presentation, introducing us to all of the technology on board the E/V Nautilus.
Sunset off the Nautilus on Day 4. Photo Credit: Dani Villanueva
As the sunset started to show its beautiful colors, I went outside and encountered a group that included STEMSeas participants and some of the crew from the Nautilus. They were all chatting and taking pictures whilst watching the sunset. It was great to see all of them connecting through the various and very funny life experiences they shared. I find it beautiful that small moments like these stay with you for a lifetime. As the sunlight started to fade, we were found bathing in the light of the night stars. We went up the stairs to watch the stars more clearly. I was not expecting to see as many stars as we were going up the stairs, and I was stunned by the beauty of the night sky. We stayed watching the stars, and as I listened to the conversations, I again felt deeply grateful for this wonderful experience. Not only do I get to learn so much, but I also get to make these wonderful memories that I will forever cherish. I’m so grateful to have learned so much today from all the various activities that took place. But I am by far even more grateful to have had a wonderful night watching the stars.
Photo Credit: Dani Villanueva
