Cruise Notes

In people, deformities or imperfections are often frowned upon. In geology, however, the deformities and impurities in a rock allow us to gain the most insight and hold tangible beauty in our very hands. Maybe if we all looked at each other the way structural geologists looked at rocks, we’d all be better off. -Elizabeth […]

Who is the Sikuliaq’s famous Chef Mark? Young Mark grew up in a small cow town in Colorado, and yes at some point he did want to be a cowboy! Mark first stepped onto the food scene when he was delivering pizzas during college.  Little did he know he would later be cooking food for […]

Have you ever stared at the moon while being out in the middle of the ocean? It is a beautiful thing to see. I had never experienced that until I got the opportunity to sail on the Sikuliaq ship. The moon appeared ten times brighter than how I am normally used to seeing it back […]

Living on a ship in the middle of the ocean sounds very appealing when first mentioned (at least to those who are into that kind of thing). And, coming from someone who has spent what feels like six months living on this ship (in reality its only been six days,) I can sincerely tell you […]

Looking for a scientist to cohabitate my stateroom aboard the R/V Sikuliaq. Opportunities for travel and (research-based) ADVENTURE!!! Amenities include: Twin-Size Rack (sailor-speak for bed) With reading light and fun, self-opening stage curtain 20” Flat Screen Television (100+ ocean themed channels) Shipwide Global Wi-Fi (feat. cutting edge dial-up speed technology) Full bath w/ vacuum flush […]

Fog rolled over our second full day on the high seas, accompanied by 8-10 ft waves (and the occasional 12-footer). Today, however, the sea is calm and the sun has returned to view. Like true scientists, we are constantly learning not only about our own field, but about everything. From today’s peek at the engine […]

Our 3rd day out at sea! We are officially “boat people.” On Wednesday we waved goodbye to the Port of Seattle and the “landies” with our STEMSEAS hats in hand. Before we left we went on a tour of the Sikuliaq followed by a reception held by the University of Alaska to thank everyone that […]

Several polar bears have been sighted on the SIKULIAQ. The first sighting of a polar bear was made in Seattle, Washington by STEMSEAS participants as they explored and settled on the ship. Students were in shock, and the polar bear sighting came as a surprise to advisors Dr. Jon Lewis, Dr. Kris Ludwig, and Dr. […]