For over two decades, the University of Washington has enabled at-sea experiences for undergraduate and graduate students through cruise participation. The UW has continued its commitment to the OOI Regional Cabled Array effort through use of the 274′ global class Research Vessel Thomas G. Thompson and other UNOLS blue water ships. Each year, as many as 21 undergraduate and graduate students will work and study alongside UW RCA researchers, engineers, and the ship’s crew to learn all aspects of seagoing research, ship operations, and life aboard an oceanographic research vessel. As of this year, over 260 students will have participated in this discovery program!
During the cruises, students develop projects around the use of robotic vehicles, mapping, and linkages among geological, biological, chemical, and physical oceanographic processes. Students share their experiences with the public through daily blogs and through the development of engagement projects. The VISIONS’25 cruise continues this tradition of taking students to sea.
OOI also provides opportunities for external scientists and guest participants to take part in our annual research expeditions in order to conduct their own research at OOI sites, create art, or document cruise events in writing. They assist in the day-to-day activities of the cruise, observe the seafloor and midwater environments we visit, and learn about the technology we use to conduct long-term deep-sea research.
Yoochan An (Leg 1)
Hello! My name is Yoochan An, and I am a rising junior at UW studying marine biology and oceanography. This will be my first time
Nathan Bodensteiner (Leg 2)
My name is Nathan Bodensteiner. I am a first-year oceanography major at the University of Washington. This is my first time aboard a vessel that’s
Jacqueline Dixon (Leg 2)
Dr. Dixon’s research interests focus on the role of H2O and CO2 in the generation and evolution of basaltic magmas with an emphasis on submarine volcanoes.
Megan Gonzalez (Leg 1)
My name is Megan Gonzalez, and I am a rising Senior at Western Washington University studying Marine and Coastal Science with minors in Geology and
Lacie Levy (Leg 1)
Lacie Levy is a graduate student pursuing a dual-title PhD in Oceanography and Astrobiology at the University of Washington. Her research is focused on questions
Nicole Liew (Leg 2)
Hello, my name is Nicole! I am a senior in Queens College, majoring in environmental science. I am excited to be on a research vessel
Nadia Martynenko (Leg 1)
Hello, My name is Nadia Martynenko, I am a rising Senior at the University of Washington majoring in Oceanography with an emphasis on learning and
Mason McWilliams (Leg 2)
Hello! My name is Mason McWilliams, and I am going into my second year at the University of Washington as an Oceanography major. I’ve long
Oliver Parsons (Leg 2)
Hello! My name is Oliver, and I’m a third-year Marine Biology student at the UW. Curiosity and love of the ocean led me to this
Ari Paulik (Leg 1)
Hello! My name is Ari Paulik and am approaching my 4th year in pursuit of a B.S. in Oceanography and Marine Biology at the University
Isabelle Paulsen (Leg 1)
Hello! My name is Isabelle, and I just completed my first year of college at the University of Washington. I am double majoring in marine
Anshul Shah (Leg 1)
Hi, I’m Anshul, a rising junior studying computer science at UW. I’m interested in how technology can help solve big scientific and societal problems; in
Dax Soule (Leg 2)
Dax Soule (Assistant professor, SEES) is an Assistant Professor of Marine Geophysics in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Queens College. Dr. Soule
Guangyu Xu (Leg 2)
Guangyu Xu’s research combines underwater acoustic and numerical modeling techniques to study fluid flows within both the seafloor and the ocean. Xu’s scientific questions focus