I studied Computer Science and Cognitive Science at the University of Toronto, where I received my honours bachelor’s degree. I am currently a graduate student advised by Dr. Jody Deming at the University of Washington. I am enrolled in the dual-title PhD in Oceanography & Astrobiology. My research interests lie in understanding how bacteria behave in poly-extreme environments, specifically sea-ice, and what this can teach us about the hypothesized life on the ocean worlds of our solar system. My current project embodies my interest in bioremediation. I investigate the potential for arctic sea-ice bacteria to produce compounds capable of cleaning up future arctic oil spills. Given my undergraduate education, I have never participated in a research cruise before. I look forward to understanding the logistics, operations and capabilities of UNOLS’s most used ship in 2021, through the wonderful opportunity offered to me by the VISIONS’22 cruise.
Mai Abualsaud (Leg 3)
Hello!! My name is Mai Abualsaud and I am