I am currently a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of Washington in Seattle, pursuing a degree in Oceanography. My interests include both biological and chemical processes in the ocean as well as micro and macro-fauna at hydrothermal vent sites. My intrigue and passion for the ocean stem from my childhood when I spent much of my time camping with friends and family near the Hood Canal, and also from the hydrothermal vent courses I have taken at the university. I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity given to me by the University of Washington, the Visions ’15 program, the Ocean Observatories Initiative, and their directors. I am also excited to gain vessel experience and will do my best to communicate the importance this step of ocean engineering will provide for current and future generations.