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.