by 
(9/27/2024) Our first full day at sea was filled with the bright eyes of eager students and their seasoned scientist mentors, ready to meet the challenges ahead. For many, this our first time ever on the ship. New experiences, new sensations. The first challenge? Seasickness. Seasickness isn’t uncommon. Even seasoned sailors get it. Caused by disorientation between our inner ears vs. what our eyes see.
With a breath of fresh air (and some medication), we recovered and were able to enjoy the wonders before us. Schools of dolphins swam alongside, jumping out of the water. A seal dove for food. A family of whales, swimming together, their dark fins and tails waving to us. The night sky sparkles without the glare of light pollution. The ocean is a breathtaking experience.
STEMSeas student Ndidiamaka Mason learns how to launch a temperature probe from Instrumentation Technician Bowman.
Onboard, the crew is just as busy as the wildlife around us. Engineers check the machinery that keeps the ship moving and lights on. Instrumentation technicians verifying that science equipment is operating properly. The real hero of the ship is Randall, the ship’s cook, providing us with some of the best food you can experience.
Whatever our roles, we are all here for one thing – science.
STEMSeas students Kira Davis and Sierra Rothman-Haji sift sediment core for specimens.
Science vessels are valuable assets, gathering information and data that is needed for our understanding of weather patterns and ocean ecosystems. Important information that we on land need to know for food, logistics, or knowing if our beach plans will be ruined.
STEMSeas mentors Stefani Martynenko and Noreen Meghani analyzing sediment core samples.
As science students, our goal is to pursue research projects under the guidance of our mentors. Research questions that can only be answered while we have the opportunity at sea. Each valuable to understanding how well our oceans are doing.
While there is a lot of work to do, it is important to find some peace amidst the chaos. So for now, I’m going to drink in the beautiful glistening ocean with a warm mug of coffee.
Take care!
-Matthew Velasco
Sunset off the starboard side.
