USM Students Embark on Unforgettable Atlantic Research Cruise
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 09:35am | By: Gabriela Shinskie
Top Left to Right: LTJG Lexi Ferguson, Adyn McHugh, Andrew Castle, Kaleb Favaloro, Trey Gillespie. Bottom Left to Right: Andrea Granger, Jessica Ault, Catelin Vester, Lexi Tortenson, Tyler Bristol
Imagine being a part of mapping the entire ocean floor by 2030 and contributing to improving navigation, disaster preparedness, and environmental protection. Four students at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE) boarded the Nancy Foster R/V student cruise this summer to learn hands-on techniques within the blue economy with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Calvin Martin, hydrography professor at Southern Miss, saw an opportunity for his students to dive into the realm of real-world hydrography and put classroom knowledge to the test out at sea.
“During the expedition, students engaged in the intricate process of seafloor mapping on the Blake Plateau, contributing to the global Seabed 2030 project,” expressed Martin. “This experience not only deepened their understanding of hydrography but also highlighted the vital role of this science in advancing our knowledge of the world’s oceans. The practical skills and insights they acquired are invaluable as they prepare to become the next generation of leaders in the field.”
A NOAA Researcher is showing students the Underway CTD cast (UCTD) and procedures for deploying and retrieving the UCTD.
Southern Miss Students Catelin Vester, Jessica Ault, Kaleb Favaloro, and Andrew Castle boarded the R/V Nancy Foster in Charleston, S.C., and sailed 75 miles off the coast, where they toured the vessel make-up, dry labs, and began hydrography research and data collection. The students focused on standard conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) scans that detect how water reacts to all three elements.
“We experienced a lot of data processing. We were continually getting this data while doing CTD casts as the ship was moving, which would take about four hours,” described Ault.
Those aboard had a chance to speak with NOAA research professionals, who provided a unique perspective on life at sea. Students networked and worked together to gather specific data needed for ocean mapping. Favaloro and Castle enjoyed interacting with other students from across the country, particularly those from Northwestern Michigan College, who share a similar passion for hydrography.
“It was great to talk with them. They brought a different perspective with them since they conducted research in the Great Lakes. The salinity is different than on the coast,” said Favaloro.
Favaloro described his most memorable moment as dropping at CTD cast in the middle of the night surrounded by an eerie scene of ocean darkness. Castle would wake up every morning to view the sunrise while conducting scans and interpreting data. Ault describes her most memorable moment observing glacial scours on the bottom of the seafloor and analyzing real-time data.
The dry lab is where all of the data is acquired and processed. Much of the processing is done by visiting Survey Technicians, Garrett Mayer Phil Fahy.
The students express their gratitude to NOAA for the life-changing experience and for paving the way for their future careers and continued studies. Ault credits Martin for helping secure top-notch internships and potential careers beyond graduation.
“Knowing about the ocean is important. It’s important to have people tell us what is going on underneath the ocean. It was great getting to know some of the officers on the vessel and seeing the neat job they do,” said Ault.
Dr. Robert Leaf, SOSE Interim Director, credits the research cruise to enhancing technological hydrography skills and better-preparing students who seek careers in the blue economy.
“The hands-on experience and connections made during these cruises are invaluable for preparing students for successful careers in ocean science and engineering,” expressed Leaf.
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Julia Wallace, Physical Scientists of NOAA, for reaching out and providing this incredible opportunity for our students. Her support and dedication have made a significant impact on their educational journey and future careers,” said Martin.
“It is rare that undergraduate and graduate students get an opportunity to sail aboard a NOAA vessel. These cruises enable groups of students from several academic institutions to experience hydrographic mapping operations, life at sea aboard a NOAA vessel, and network with other marine science students from across the country,” stated Wallace.
USM’s School of Ocean Science and Engineering invites students to explore endless frontiers while conducting research. Students have a chance to study the Gulf of Mexico and understand the environment in which autonomous vehicles operate to promote sustainable fisheries, advance the study of aquaculture, and more.