What do a bunch of scientists on a research cruise in the Southern Ocean en route to Antarctica do when they aren’t staring into microscopes, analyzing data, or preparing their next experiment? Well, a seminar series, of course! We’ve started “the Science Café” – a daily seminar series where one of us will give a 30-45-minute talk about our research, because… well, we are scientists.
The interdisciplinary nature of cruises such as this one brings together scientists from different areas of research. Some talks have focused on the physics of oceans – the manner in which water moves through and within oceans, the changes in temperature, density, and other physical characteristics that define how the oceans regulate life on this planet. Others have talked about the chemistry of the oceans – how the presence or absence of certain chemicals could influence the biology of the region, how things like carbon dioxide can change the acidity of oceans, and how changes in global temperatures are affecting ocean chemistry. Our group has given talks on on the biology of the oceans – not the whales, penguins and seals that usually catch everyone’s attention, but on a different, and equally (if not more) important component – the microscopic plants and animals that shape the food-webs that these larger animals depend upon. Other talks have included topics in the realm of engineering, such as the development of specialized sensors, and instrumentation for ocean research; as well as on marine biology education programs aimed at training future generations of marine biologists.
As one can see, while each of these themes appear highly specialized, they are all interconnected. Given that it is almost impossible for any one individual (or group) to specialize in everything, a collaborative environment is what we all strive for. Informal talks like these serve as an excellent first step toward this goal. I have had conversations that have led to the development of new ideas, and to experimental designs to test these ideas – many of which would not have taken shape by one mind alone. As a biologist, I can attest to now knowing a lot more about the physics and chemistry of the Southern Ocean, than what I knew when we started this incredible voyage……. And we’re just getting started.
Images: Tatiana Rynearson, Sinead Collins, Kerry Whittaker and Nigel D’souza present their research at the “Science Café” on board the NBP. Graduate students Olivia Ahern and Stephanie Anderson along with undergraduate student Dan Achilles, are scheduled to present their work in the coming days.
Post contributed by: Dr. Nigel D’souza