After quarantining for two weeks, the lab has finally been reunited as we board the Thomas G. Thompson for a month at sea. Antsy to explore our new ship we navigated a maze of ladders climbing up and down the ship, explored side doorways and turned corners to locate our berthing quarters, the laundry room, and the various labs on board. To some of us this ship seems familiar, as the sister ship to last spring’s cruise on the R/V Atlantis, but to others this is the first time on a large research vessel. Whether deep sea novices or seasoned scientists, we are excited to get back on the water and feel privileged to be conducting research in a time of missed opportunities.
While we’ve all been in a biology or chemistry lab, science at sea is very different! The most important thing to prepare our lab after designating lab spaces is to ensure everything is tied down and secure. Weather at sea can be unpredictable and a rocking boat is the nemesis of expensive science equipment. The first lesson on this expedition was learning bowline knots to tie down our microscopes, and then we used duct tape to ensure nothing goes flying when we are underway. If we didn’t properly secure something, we will know soon enough!
On top of physically setting up the lab, we must also prepare for conducting the actual science. With so many different groups between the science party, the Sentry team, and the Jason team, communication is key to ensuring everything goes according to plan, and that there is adequate time for all goals to be met. Teams were also allocated to the our students for the various tasks we’ll have throughout our cruise, such as: the bucket brigade, animal maintenance, and sample sorting, to name a few. We aim for each student to participate in a myriad of tasks and a wide range of experiences.
Interview with the Scientists
What are our scientists most excited for a month at sea on board the R/V Thompson?
“I’m excited to see all the new and interesting organisms at sea!” – Fiona McBride (WWU)
“I’m excited to work with Jason and see live footage of the dives!” – Laura Murray (WWU)
“I’m excited to see how our sites have changed over a year and to be back on the ocean!” – Lauren Rice (UO)
“Collecting data for my thesis project, working with Jason and Sentry, on a nice boat!” – Tessa Beaver (WWU)
“Working with Jason, CTDs, and Sentry, there’s a lot to do and I’m excited to see how it all works out!” – Dr. Shawn Arellano (WWU)
“Excited to be spending time with Jason!” – Ian Grace (NCSU)
“Data for my dissertation and the FOOD!” – Avery Calhoun (UO)
“I’m excited to learn new things and see how ROVs work in action!” – Liam Patrick (WWU)
“Snails and larvae!” – Mitch Hebner (WWU)
“DATA!” – Caitlin Plowman (UO)
We are planning to leave around tomorrow at 10am EST and will wave goodbye to the shore as we spend nearly a month surrounded by nothing but the ocean and the incredible organisms that live within. Let the science begin!
