Clindor Cacho prepares to recover a set of mooring balls from the aft deck of R/V *Atlantis*.

The People Doing It

August 25, 2024 in Ocean Exploration

When I walk into the computer lab, a peculiar tension radiates around the room. The atmosphere in here is usually relaxed: members of our science team telling stories, cracking jokes, or peering at 3D maps of Axial Seamount.

But right now, there is no laughter or excitement. Expedition Leader Akel Kevis-Stirling sits directly across from Chief Scientist Bill Chadwick, explaining that the ROV winch has a critical issue. If the winch cannot operate properly, we cannot launch the ROV. If we cannot launch the ROV, we will be unable to conduct the science operations we came out here (300 miles off the coast of Oregon) to do.

Expedition Leader Akel Kevis-Stirling gives instructions as Fred Denton maneuvers the manipulator arm of ROV Jason while working on Axial Seamount.

Measuring the Might of Axial

July 11, 2024 in Ocean Exploration

Bright lights illuminate rain drops splattering across the back deck of R/V Atlantis. It’s just after 2:00 a.m., but the entire ROV team (and most of our science team) is awake and ready to go to work. Expedition Leader Akel Kevis-Stirling lifts a radio to his ear as the voice of Captain Derek Bergeron crackles through the speaker.

“You are clear for launch.”

“Copy that,” Akel says. “Launching Jason.”

The 11,000-pound remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Jason rises slowly into the air and glides smoothly over the starboard rail of the ship. While launching Jason is a routine activity aboard Atlantis, this particular launch brings a sense of relief for the whole team. After dealing with a mechanical setback with the ROV winch at the start of this expedition, we are thrilled to finally get Jason in the water and begin our work on the seafloor.

We are currently 300 miles off the coast of Oregon, floating above the Juan de Fuca mid-ocean ridge spreading center. A mile below us is Axial Seamount, the most active volcano in the Pacific Northwest.

**Back on board**: Gabriela Espino and Isbaella Monaco chat and watch the sunset over Honolulu Harbor from the bow of E/V *Nautilus*.

The Path is Never Straight

June 04, 2024 in Ocean Exploration

Standing on the bow of Nautilus, I chat with Isabella Monaco and Gabriela Espino. As we gaze out over Honolulu Harbor, I breathe in the salt air and savor the familiarity of this view. I’ve joined a dozen expeditions with the Ocean Exploration Trust in the past few years, and today marks my tenth port call in Hawai’i. It feels wonderful to be back here, especially for the first expedition of the season.

For Isabella and Gabriela, boarding this ship and preparing to go out to sea is still a relatively new experience. They are both seafloor mappers returning to Nautilus for their second season, after sailing as interns last year. We watch the sun begin to set over the port and talk about our career paths.

Doing what I love: Working off the coast of Honolulu on my 100th day at sea in 2023 | Photo by Nova West

A Beautiful Life

March 05, 2024 in Personal

Three days ago, I celebrated my 36th birthday in my favorite place in the world. A month ago, I documented a team of international scientists conducting research in Germany. Tonight, I will give a presentation for the Morehead Planetarium Science Center about my work in the deep ocean. A few weeks from now, I will fly across the country to spend time with friends and colleagues in Oregon and California. A few months from now, I will go to sea with a team of volcanologists in the North Pacific Ocean.

By just about every measure, I have a full and vibrant life. The people I engage with and the activities I pursue regularly challenge my body, stimulate my mind, and nourish my soul.

But there is one fundamental thing missing – my dear mother, who loved me beyond measure, is gone.

**Mesobot Ops**: Eric Hayden oversees the deployment of *Mesobot*, a hybrid robot specially designed by engineers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to explore life in the Ocean Twilight Zone.

Welcome to the Fish Tank

February 24, 2024 in Ocean Exploration

The source of their elation swims across Hayden’s laptop screen – thick salp chains glide through the blackness while squid zoom in and out of the frame. Marine snow, tiny krill, and phytoplankton pepper the scene. The swirl of bright, twinkling organisms looks like something out of a science fiction movie – it feels like we’re viewing the far reaches of outer space.

But this is inner space, specifically the Ocean Twilight Zone. We are watching footage that Mesobot just captured, 150 meters below us.

Hayden’s gaze is locked on the screen. “It’s like we’re sitting inside a fish tank,” he says. “Look at that ink trail from the squid!”

We watch, transfixed, as the animals continue to dart around Mesobot. We marvel at the crisp quality of the footage and the sheer number of organisms. Yoerger points out that the small fish we’re seeing are likely some of the most numerous vertebrates on the planet – but humans very rarely get the opportunity to observe them.

**We out here**: Waving at the drone from the monkey of E/V *Nautilus*. The coastline of the Big Island of Hawai’i is visible in the background.

Ship to Shore

December 01, 2023 in Ocean Exploration

I rub the sleep out of my eyes and check my watch. It’s 2:57am. Too early for coffee. I take a sip of cold water, pretend I am fully awake, and click on the meeting link on the computer screen in front of me.

A Zoom window pops open, and I suddenly see 20 fifth grade students waving enthusiastically at me. I can’t help but smile. It’s the middle of the night and I’m very tired, but their enthusiasm is contagious.

I quickly confirm with the teacher that they are ready to get started, then I launch into my spiel.

“Hi everyone! My name is Marley and I’m the Communications Lead aboard the E/V Nautilus. I’m currently sitting in our studio, inside our Control Van. Right now we are 60 miles southwest of Hawai’i…”

**Rectangle Life:** A view of the back deck of MMA *Valour* during IODP Expedition 389. These shipping containers comprised all our space to process samples, log data, hold meetings, take photos, drink coffee, and exercise.

Container Culture

November 08, 2023 in Ocean Exploration

Living and working at sea is all about adaptability, and it usually doesn’t take me long to adjust to a new ship – but many things about this ship are awkward, uncomfortable, or just plain bizarre. I’m about to learn that life aboard a Malaysian supply vessel is very different from an American or European research vessel.

**Embody resilience:** Chloé Easterling stares at the horizon from the bow of the MMA *Valour*, just off the coast of Kona, Hawai’i.

Don't Settle

September 26, 2023 in Personal

When I was 28-years-old, I got on an airplane for the first time in my life. I flew from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Houston, Texas, then to Dubai, then to Kandahar, Afghanistan. Before that trip, I had never even been inside an airport.

I was working for Remote Medical International, a private company that had been contracted by the U.S. air force base in Kandahar. I spent almost a year there. As a girl from Small Town, USA, it was my first dose of real culture. I was interacting with Kenyans, Indians, and Afghanis on a daily basis.

It taught me a lot about resilience. In the book Big Magic, Elizabeth Gilbert writes you can let fear sit with you, but you tell it to get in the back seat. I told my fear to get in the fucking trunk.

**Ready to launch**: Lynette Davis maintains radio communication with the Data Lab while working on the aft deck of E/V *Nautilus*. During NA152, Lynette and I served as Expedition Leaders for the first time.

Learning to Lead

August 24, 2023 in Ocean Exploration

Sitting in the Data Lab aboard E/V Nautilus, I feel a flurry of emotions: excitement, exhaustion, nervousness, and a bit of disbelief.

My shipmates and I have been at sea for the past three weeks, conducting seafloor exploration and maintenance operations off the coast of British Columbia with Ocean Networks Canada. It has been a long, busy, and highly productive expedition, and everyone on board is tired and looking forward to wrapping up our work. In two days, we will return to port in Sidney and the entire science/engineering team will disembark — everyone except for myself and Lead Navigator Lynette Davis. We are staying on board for the next expedition.

And we just found out we’ll be leading it.

**Here we go again:** Setting sail out of Sidney, British Columbia for my 10th expedition aboard the E/V *Nautilus*.

Precious Time

July 15, 2023 in Ocean Exploration

“You are all so amazing and brilliant. I so wish I would have done something this unforgettable in my youth. I understand that you are working hard, but these memories will serve you well in your golden years. Please enjoy this precious time.”

— Nautilus Live viewer

These days, Nautilus feels like home away from home. I know where to find just about anything I might need on the ship. I know how to adjust my routines for eating, sleeping, bathing, and exercising at sea. I know how to balance my work tasks, watch schedules, and requests from shipmates or the Shoreside team. I know when I should ask a question and when I should try to figure something out for myself.

This familiarity brings a sense of comfort. But the exhilaration of going to sea and exploring the deep ocean has not faded. I don’t believe it ever will.

**Get ‘em talking.** Science Talk attendees engage in a group discussion activity during my “Evolve your SciComm Skills and Career” workshop.

Science Talk 23: Find your People

April 30, 2023 in Science Communication

“Okay, you have five minutes. Ready, set, go!”

As soon as I say the word “go”, the room erupts. I watch 34 people (divided into pairs) talk animatedly with their partners, and I can’t help but smile. This moment has been a long time coming.

**A unique and beautiful phenomenon**. Snow in Joshua Tree National Park is a rare occurrence, and I feel lucky to experience it.

As you Walk

March 31, 2023 in Personal

My windshield wipers flick a mixture of cold rain and sleet as I drive. It’s strange to see snow blanketing the mountains just outside of Los Angeles, and I wonder if there will be snow when I arrive in Joshua Tree National Park later today.

**Balance is key.** Camping in the dessert is a great way to equalize my mind and body after spending several weeks (or months) at sea. This shot from my tent was one of many photos I took (for fun — not for work!) during my solo cross-country road trip from North Carolina to California and back. Lost Dutchman State Park, Arizona | February 2020

Five Years of Freedom

February 10, 2023 in Personal

Five years ago today, I left my position at the UNC Office of Research Communications to become a full-time freelance science communicator.

Typing that sentence feels a bit surreal. I can’t believe it’s been five years already.

I will never forget the heavy weight of anxiety and frenetic nerves that accompanied the decision to quit my job (a really good job!) and start my own business. After several years of earning a regular salary (along with a 401K, paid vacation time, good health insurance etc) electing to become a full-time freelancer seemed like a crazy idea.

My parents thought my decision was rash. My friends thought it was badass. I alternated between feeling excited and empowered, and then completely overwhelmed and intimidated.

I often wish I could go back to that time and tell myself: As scary at it seems, this is the right move. You are in for the ride of your life, but you can handle it.

**A walk in the woods soothes a turbulent mind**. A view of the Eno River near my house in Durham, NC.

Liminal Space

January 30, 2023 in Personal

The word "liminal" comes from the Latin word “limen,” which means threshold. To be in a liminal space means to be on the precipice of something new but not quite there yet. You can be in a liminal space physically, emotionally, or metaphorically. Being in a liminal space can be incredibly uncomfortable for most people.

**Flying high**: I took this drone shot of E/V *Nautilus* while we were working off the coast of Maui in October.

Build your own Dream

December 29, 2022 in Personal

Standing on the monkey deck of Nautilus, I stare at the massive mountains of Maui. My focus lingers on the steep, rugged ridge lines. Leaning against the railing, I watch the steady rotation of the giant, white windmills in the distance and exhale a deep breath.

Gazing at this island feels both meditative and familiar —I’ve spent three months of this year looking at it from this ship. While the angle shifts slightly depending on Nautilus positioning, the view is more or less the same.

It never gets old.

**Examples of excellent science writing:** This shelf includes just a few of the books I put on the Recommended Reading list for students enrolled in my freelance science communicator course.

From Student to Teacher

November 30, 2022 in Science Communication

I stare at my laptop screen, trying to ignore the butterflies in my stomach. I click “Launch Meeting” and a Zoom window opens. One by one, I watch faces and names appear in the video chat. But they aren’t the familiar faces of clients or colleagues — the ten people on this Zoom call are students enrolled in a course I’m teaching.

Me? A teacher? Since when? While I have given dozens of presentations about my work over the past few years, I have never officially “taught” anything before. But when I gave a presentation about being a full-time freelance science communicator at Science Talk last March, Allison Coffin, president of the Association of Science Communicators, asked me about the possibility of expanding my 20-minute talk into an online course.

**Allow me to introduce a truly amazing colleague:** In September and October of this year, I had the pleasure of working (often underwater) with the talented Nova West. Here, we are diving with a team of maritime archeologists off the coast of Maui.

See Who They Can Become

October 22, 2022 in Ocean

Nova West is an award-winning filmmaker, artist, scuba diver, and conservationist. While Nova and I have both worked as video engineers and documentarians aboard E/V Nautilus for the past few years, this fall was the first time we had the opportunity to sail together.

Working alongside Nova every day for the past six weeks has been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had on a ship, both professionally and personally. Nova’s prolific creativity, tenacious work ethic, and buoyant spirit light up our little world on Nautilus every single day. The things Nova and I talk about – from pursuing full-time freelance careers to being a good shipmate to advocating for the queer community – fill my heart and stimulate my mind.

When I asked if they would be willing to do a Q&A interview for my blog, Nova’s response epitomized their radiant energy — an immediate, emphatic “yes!”

Working with a fully female crew and science team aboard the *Extended Horizons* dive boat, just off the coast of Maui on September 18, 2022.

Mana Wahine

October 01, 2022 in Ocean

The evening Hawaiian sun saturates the social deck of E/V Nautilus with golden light. Over 30 people crowd around the two long, wooden tables — some of them are Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) staff, some are contractors (like me) who have sailed on Nautilus before, and some are National Geographic explorers.

Lively conversations die down as everyone gathered here turns towards Samantha Wishnak, the expedition leader, and Allison Fundis, the Chief Operating Officer at OET. Together, they extend a warm welcome, and explain how this expedition partnership with the National Geographic Society has been years in the making.

When I first learned that a bunch of Nat Geo folks would be coming on board, I was excited — but also nervous (intimidated, frankly.) It’s only the first day, but my nerves have already dissipated.

Like Home

August 31, 2022 in Ocean

Looking directly down into the sub, I can see Rosa León Zayas, a deep sea microbiologist and member of our science team, starting to make her way up the ladder. When she reaches the top, I say, “Welcome back! Stay right there for just a second.” Then I raise my camera and snap a photo.

On any given day, Rosa can light up a room with her effervescent energy. But the expression on her face right now is nothing short of elation. Over the next month, I will capture this moment again and again — the radiant joy of a scientist who has just spent the day exploring the ocean floor.

The R/V *Atlantis* in port in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Welcome aboard R/V Atlantis

July 29, 2022 in Ocean

Finding my way around a research vessel for the first time always makes for a long day. Long, but good.

After hauling my massive duffel bag and backpack on board, I check in with Second Mate Molly Smith to receive a rapid COVID test. I wait 10 minutes, show her my negative result, and initial a sheet of paper. Then I turn to Ken Kostel, Director of Research Communications at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).

“Let’s go this way,” he says, pointing through the nearest watertight door. “I’ll show you my favorite places to get good shots.”

On the aft deck, Ken points out where I can and cannot go when the sub is being deployed or recovered. He also offers up some key insider info on where to get the best shots of Alvin in action.