12-17-06 Oden Position: 64° South, 87° West Partially cloudy sky, snow flurries, occasionally sunny , air 1.2 C, water 1.8C
Special Interview with Cooper Guest
How old are you? 23 years old
Place of birth? I was born in Tucson, Arizona. They call us teasingly "Desert rats”.
Where do you live now? In Hawaii and I absolutely love it.
Where and what did you study? I studied at the University of Hawaii and graduated in December 2005 with a bachelors degree in marine science and a minor in chemistry.
Why marine science coming from a desert state like Arizona? I love the water and anything what has to do with it. I am in the water or on it all the time. It makes me feel free; you know it gives you that feeling of independence and freedom... I enjoy scuba diving, free diving (diving without tanks up to 15-50 ft) and surfing.
What do you value most about your experience as an undergraduate student? I was early on involved in research experiences and learned to understand science by doing it with the best experts in the field. Who can say this as an undergraduate student? People study and after graduating still don’t know what they would like to do. They never had real world experience during the course of studies.
What is your job on the boat? I am working for Raytheon Polar Services as marine science technician. I am responsible on this ship for the laboratories. This includes support, safety (MSDS sheets, chemical waste…), repairs, also simple things like tying down and securing computers and laboratory equipment, the boat moves in every direction. They call us "GOFORS” on the ship- meaning "going for things”.
Do you have a girlfriend? Yes, since 3 years. Her name is Melody. Hi Melody…
On the Oden cruise you are also responsible for collecting and analyzing data with the Nutrient Analyzer. Can you explain? The nutrient concentration in sea water that we analyze is important for photosynthesis in plankton, algae and other plants. I look for Nitrite (NO2), Nitrate (NO3), Phosphate (PO4), Silicate (SiO4) and Iron (Fe2+, Fe2-).
Do you like your job? Oh, yes, look at my office. It is on the Ocean.
Plans for the future? I don’t plan to go back to university any time soon. I love my work as marine science technician and I try to learn as much as possible on the job during different missions on the Oceans of our Earth.
Thanks Cooper and I wish you all the best.
Ukaden