**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 Exploration

July 28, 2022 | 18°48.948 N, 65°42.605 W | Caribbean Sea

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.

**Pause for the cause**: taking a moment to appreciate the beautiful Zinnias that Ryan has grown in our front yard.

A Fine Balance

June 30, 2022 in Personal

“You know what’s crazy?”

Ryan looks up from his bowl of noodles. We’re sitting on our back porch, enjoying an unseasonably cool summer evening and some languid conversation over homemade Udon.

“What’s crazy?” he asks.

“I could be in the middle of the South Atlantic right now,” I say, shaking my head in disbelief. “Think of all the things we’ve done in the past month – none of it would have happened if I had gone on that expedition.”

Ryan twirls the thick noodles around his chopsticks and nods in agreement.

“Yeah, that was a good call.”

My shipmates Jamie Zaccaria and Jonathan Fiely looking bright-eyed and beautiful, despite starting their work day aboard E/V *Nautilus* at 4am.

Conversations at Sea

May 31, 2022 in Ocean

Imagine spending all day every day with your co-workers. Imagine having breakfast, lunch, and dinner with them. Imagine working together at all hours of the night and day, whether it’s 10pm or 4am.

If you can picture yourself doing that, you ought to consider working on a research vessel. At sea, people get to know each other very well very quickly. We see our shipmates when they are happy and excited, as well as stressed, frustrated, or annoyed. We live together in all states of being: sleep deprived, highly caffeinated, completely exhausted, overjoyed.

We spend almost all our time together. And we spend much of that time talking.

**Last Friday at home for a while:** enjoying perfect weather, homemade drinks, and Ryan’s music on our back porch.

Pre-Expedition Rituals

April 30, 2022

Like any good pilot, my old man functioned like a well-oiled machine with an internal checklist and established systems in place. Every object – from his ID badge to his passport to his wallet – went to a particular, designated spot in his bag. Before a trip, he always checked the weather and the “loads”. In his 40-year career, he was never late to work.

I am not nearly as systematic as my dear father, but I often think of him when I’m packing for an expedition. A few things have certainly rubbed off: my passport goes into a specific pocket of my backpack. My wallet goes into another. I always double-check my flight information and the weather.

The biggest difference is my dad would leave for a few days, or maybe a week. He spent most of his time in airports and hotels. When I leave, I’ll be gone for a few weeks, or sometimes a few months. And I spend most of my time on a ship in the middle of the ocean.

Sharing the story of my freelance career at Science Talk 22 in Portland, Oregon | Photo by Camille Collett

Science Talk 22: Tell your Story

March 31, 2022

There is nothing quite like being at a conference full of people who both love science and understand the value of solid communication. As soon as I walk into Science Talk, I can see that everyone here is curious, smart, and approachable. Even though I don’t know a single person, it’s easy to start a conversation.

When I sit down next to Tszula, a postdoctoral researcher in Physics at the University of New Mexico, I ask, “is this your first time coming to Science Talk?”

“No, I actually came to the very first one six years ago.”

“What was that like?” I ask. “Was it super tiny?”

“It was completely sold out!” Tzula says emphatically. “At the end of the conference, the organizers said, ‘wellllll that was a smashing success. I guess we should do it again!’”

I think about the demand for this type of knowledge and expertise. It’s affirming to realize that I am not alone in my quest to become a better science communicator.

Doing It

February 09, 2022 in Personal

Four years ago today I left my full-time position at UNC Research to start my own business.

Four years. That’s 1,461 days. It is also exactly a quarter of my adult, professional life.

When I left the comfort and security of my state employee job, I told everyone I was excited. But I was mostly stressed. I experienced a lot of self-doubt and sleepless nights. Venturing out on my own and navigating the world of full-time freelance work was daunting to say the least. Everything was a struggle: making enough money, getting enough sleep, finding enough work, exhibiting enough confidence. I lived off coffee, adrenaline, and tenacity.

Phew. Just thinking about those first few months is exhausting.

But I did it. And I’m still doing it.

An Open Letter to My Young Self

January 24, 2022 in Personal

Tomorrow night I will present some of my work at Photo Night, a monthly event hosted by the UNC Chapter of the National Press Photographer’s Association (NPPA) and the Carolina Photojournalism program. While I have given several presentations at UNC over the past few years, sharing my work at Photo Night feels particularly significant.

I’ve spent the past week pulling photos and video files off my hard drives, organizing PowerPoint slides, and reflecting on the experiences I’ve had since graduating from the UNC School of Journalism just over a decade ago. If only my freshly-graduated-self could see where my career has taken me — she would be amazed.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the students I’ll be talking with tomorrow night, especially those who are graduating this May. I imagine some of them are harboring anxieties or insecurities similar to what I felt 12 years ago. Leaving life as a student and becoming a young professional. Getting that first job. Those are daunting tasks even when the world isn’t reeling from a pandemic.

I wonder if the words I would write to my younger self could provide some comfort to a current college student? Maybe? Regardless, if I could travel back in time to 2010, and hand a letter to my 22-year-old self, here is what I would say:

**Leave your troubles at sea level.** Enjoying the view from my favorite spot on the Woody Ridge Trail [photo by Ryan Hurley]

Let Go

November 22, 2021 in Personal

I open my email and let out a long sigh. At the top of my inbox is a message titled “Alvin SVE postponed.”

This is not good.

Our chief scientist has just sent a long, detailed message to our whole expedition team. In it, he explains what has gone wrong with the submersible:

“…a problem was encountered with the sub that has resulted in an all-stop of activities… Obviously it is imperative to sort this out before any dive activities resume, and it is not clear at this point how long that process will take, although it is more likely to be months than days.”

We are scheduled to fly down to Puerto Rico four days from now. After months and months of planning, our history-making expedition to take HOV Alvin deeper than ever before is now postponed indefinitely. At this point, no one can say when (or if) the expedition will happen.

Send in the Robots

November 01, 2021 in Ocean

Well, this is different.

I have just boarded the E/V Nautilus in San Pedro, California. While I immediately recognize the friendly faces of my shipmates (even obscured behind masks), the aft deck contains several changes: a new extension, a new crane, and some distinctive ocean robots. In place of ROV Hercules, there is a bright red and orange vehicle called HROV Nereid Under Ice (NUI) and an eye-catching yellow robot called Mesobot, both from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).

On this expedition, our team, including several scientists and engineers from WHOI, will demonstrate the capabilities of these ocean robots, both individually and in tandem.

Jessica Kozik wrangles line on the aft deck of the Sarmiento de Gamboa. — Jessica Kozik wrangles line on the aft deck of the *Sarmiento de Gamboa*.

Always in Motion

June 25, 2021 in Ocean

As the Sarmiento de Gamboa departs Vigo, jubilant energy radiates across the aft deck. Several members of the science team and crew have gathered here in the bright sunshine, pointing as our ship passes the Cíes Islands, taking photos, and relishing the joy of this moment.

Setting sail is always an exhilarating and unique experience — watching the shoreline recede and seeing only open ocean ahead. But today feels particularly euphoric.

This expedition has been a long time in the making, and everyone on board (especially our lead scientists) have overcome challenges to be here. After years of planning, two weeks of quarantine, and four days in port, we are finally heading out to sea to conduct research on essential ocean processes.

In our wide-eyed excitement, we cannot conceive of what the North Atlantic has in store for us over the next three weeks.

La Cuarentena

April 29, 2021 in Travel

I was fortunate to get fully vaccinated before leaving the U.S. (and most of our team has been vaccinated as well.) But the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, like all responsible organizations running international operations during COVID19, requires us to complete a full two-week quarantine before we board the R/V Sarmiento de Gamboa and sail into the North Atlantic Ocean.

A brand new one-line-a-day journal, versus mine — after five years of wear and tear (and lots of travel).

1,826 Days

March 02, 2021 in Personal

On my 28th birthday, my dear friend Jenny gave me a special gift — a five year journal. As a lifelong lover of words, I’ve been given many journals of the years, but never one like this: the journal is designed to write just one line (or a few sentences) every day for five years straight. So on any given day, you can see where you were, who you were with, what you were doing, thinking, or feeling exactly a year, or a few years prior.

Jenny included a lovely inscription inside the cover:

Marley! I know you like to document life with photographs, but when I heard of this 5-year-long journal I immediately thought of you…

I remember thinking it was a thoughtful gift. But it also felt a bit like being handed a challenge: Write something every single day for the next five years. Stick to it. Don’t forget.

Okay, I thought. Challenge accepted.

Capturing sunset during my first visit to Joshua Tree National Park in February.

2020 in 20 Photos

December 30, 2020

This year marked the first time in almost a decade that I did not leave the country. But in the midst of pandemic life, I feel fortunate I had the opportunity to travel (in compliance with COVID-19 protocols) to some incredible places within the U.S.

Below is a selection of images I captured this year.

A solo camping trip to southern Arizona in early February — before the world changed.

The Bright Lights

December 28, 2020

Oh, 2020. The year of all things bad.

The virus, the preventable loss of life, the economic turmoil, the racial reckoning, the divisive politics, the injustices, the anxiety, the fear, the judgement, and the isolation. It goes without saying: the list of bad things from 2020 is extensive and exhausting.

It is my greatest hope that as we enter into 2021, the collective adversity of this year will start to dissipate and our world will begin to heal.

I read an article in the New York Times recently that said 2020 will long be remembered and studied as a time when more than 1.5 million people globally died during a pandemic, racial unrest gripped the world, and democracy itself faced extraordinary tests.

History will remember the bad of 2020. All of us will.

And yet. I also want to remember the good.

A wide variety of sponges create a stunning landscape at Footprint Reef, off the coast of central California.

Aboard E/V Nautilus III: Ocean Flair at Footprint Reef

October 25, 2020 in Ocean

As the ROVs descend through the water column, slivers of silver flash across the monitors. First just a few, then hundreds, then seemingly thousands of anchovies chase our bright lights towards the sea floor. Their presence is the first sign that we are diving in an area abundant with life.

When the ROVs arrive at the bottom 20 minutes later, it appears as though we are sitting in a garden — a really funky garden.

A cluster of brooding octopus linger in the cracks and crevices of Davidson Seamount.

Aboard E/V Nautilus Part II: Welcome to the Octocone

October 18, 2020 in Ocean

In the control van, we’re talking about collective nouns for groups of animals. A murder of crows. A parade of elephants. A conspiracy of lemurs.

“Anyone know what a group of octopus is called?” I ask the room. A quick Google search yields mixed results. One list refers to a group of octopus as “a consortium”, while another result states they are solitary animals that live alone in an underwater den for their entire lives… you won't find them in a pack/herd/group in real life.

Tonight, we will prove that statement to be quite wrong.