The Expedition Vessel Nautilus & The "Nautilus Live" Program
At the end of my junior year, I was one of five selected globally to participate in the Ocean Exploration Trust Program sponsored by National Geographic, NOAA and the Mystic Aquarium. I participated as an Honors Research Student aboard the marine research and recovery vessel known as the E/V Nautilus with Bob Ballard (discoverer of the Titanic shipwreck and hydrothermal vent systems) and others as my mentors.
My team of five developed computer software that aided in worldwide efforts to locate submerged artifacts, hydrothermal vents, organisms, and bathymetric tracking. The program allowed me hands-on experience with different fields and occupations in marine science. Being the first generation of Honors Research program students, our interaction with the program was highly noted and documented via interviews and articles pertaining to our experiences. Bob Ballard's goal and mission was to provide marine education worldwide through "telepresence" or the interconnection of live action via satellite. The live feed received on the webpage allows for visitors to interactively ask questions with the specialists onboard the vessel in real time. Much of my time was spent studying and training at the University of Rhode Island in Narragansett. The program provided me with personal growth as I was given the opportunity to live independently for several months and travel the world exploring different cultures as the expedition took place in Turkey and the Mediterranean Sea. |
Marisa Patrick
Mount Rainier High School graduate of 2013 Aquatics & Fishery Sciences undergraduate of the University of Washington Honors Research Program Student aboard the E/V Nautilus Seattle Aquarium Volunteer Sam Garson
Education Program Coordinator for the Ocean Exploration Trust Program High School International Baccalaureate Program Biology Teacher Super Cool Awesome Dude (an Inspiration of mine) During my first expedition with the E/V Nautilus, an article was written about my experience and character by the Education Program Coordinator, Sam Garson.I was faced with experiences requiring dedication, perseverance, responsibility, humility, cultural awareness and tolerance. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity I was given to study marine science abroad and to learn from renowned professionals. I have since been invited to give presentations at the Seattle Aquarium, my school, and for private organizations about my adventures. In my presentations, I aim to inspire others my age to seek out opportunities like these, specifically through NOAA and the Nautilus Program. Here is a student, and friend, I have since helped with the application process and successful invitation to the Honors Research Program. Sebastian Martinez
Mount Rainier High School graduate of 2013 Marine Biology undergraduate of Hawai'i Pacific University Honors Research Program Student aboard the E/V Nautilus Seattle Aquarium Volunteer |