My name is Ashley Lobao and I am currently an Undergraduate at the University of Washington
studying Oceanography. I chose to study the ocean as it is an underestimated part of our
environment, at least in our public culture. I hope to one day share the knowledge I gain at the
UW with others. This year’s Vision’s Cruise will be my first time on a research vessel for more
than 12 hours. I am very excited to be a part of this operation and I am ready to take my
classroom to the ocean. I can see this experience teaching me many aspects about the ocean that I
am unable to learn in a lecture hall. Hopefully this cruise will inspire me to inspire others.