microbiology
-
Long Time, No Sea
Since returning from my research cruise 3 months ago, winter break has come and gone and a new semester has begun. The samples that were collected at sea with the submersible ALVIN are being stored in a -80 degree celsius freezer in the laboratory. The relationship between my advisor and I has survived the pressure Continue reading
-
Changed forever at sea
As a first year grad student, I have had a lot of personal challenges on this trip. There have been tremendous highs and depressing lows. Science at sea is about seizing every moment that you can and making the most of every moment that is possible. This is especially true in the case of my Continue reading
-
Hello, Goodbye Manzanillo!
After two layovers, three flights, and a 1 hour taxi ride through the tropical heat we, a group of 16 scientists who had in some way or another found their way to the Manzanillo airport, converged on the Hotel Colonial by the Manzanillo harbor with luggage and miscellaneous last minute science equipment crates. Over a Continue reading
-
Bacteria made you what are today and dolphins aren’t that important
When I tell people that I am a marine biologist they get very excited about my work. I know that in their mind visions of me on or in the ocean inspecting fish or having close encounters with dolphins and whales instantly flash across their mind’s eye. I can see the smile spring upon their Continue reading
-
New beginnings, new research, new focus

My first week back to school and my first week of grad school has been a little window to my future. I have the privilege this year of being a research assistant which means that I earn my measly stipend doing what I came to grad school to do: research. In addition to not having Continue reading
-
What is a black smoker?
The black smokers are hydrothermal vents that happen at the bottom of the ocean due to the disruption of the ocean floor as a consequence of spreading (divergence) or closing (convergence) of tectonic plates. They are rich with metals like iron and sulfur, so when the super heated material from the bottom of the ocean meets Continue reading