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As we steam towards San Francisco in rough seas, I am reminded how lucky we have been during our time on the Falkor with the weather, never losing any days to poor weather. Falkor really is the luck dragon! I have been at sea now for 27 days, and during this time we have deployed an … Continued

The Earth’s flow of energy – from animals, to plants, to microbes – is dictated by electron transfers: that is, moving electrons from one molecule or element to another in order to gain energy. These types of reactions have dictated the evolution of life on Earth. Photosynthesis is perhaps the most familiar such reaction, where … Continued

Science and art are deeply related. Both involve looking hard at what is around us: taking time to observe and collect information to filter through brains. Art asks questions, science seeks answers. I have been drawing and painting since I was a child. I studied art in college and took it with me everywhere afterward. … Continued

In the hustle that often characterizes the two in-port days before a cruise, it is easy to get lost in the details. Together with my co-chief scientist on this cruise, Dr. Anna Michel, our focus on these details has spanned more than two years of planning, scheming, designing, building, redesigning, rebuilding, testing, ordering, and packing. … Continued

On our last night at sea, I spread my artwork across the two long tables in the library. In a few minutes, members of the science party and crew will file into the room to browse through my work and ask questions about my creative process. I am excited for the opportunity to explain why … Continued

Life on the Falkor requires a balance of being in the flow and keeping on your toes. I sketch in many breezy corners of the upper decks, observing science operations from all sorts of interesting angles. In the library, I have read an account of Jacques Cousteau, as well as former artist-at-sea Lucy Bellwood’s “Tall … Continued

As the third largest port on California’s coast, San Diego Bay showcases the grip of humanity’s hands on the ocean. From our location, we can see the domineering San Diego-Coronado bridge, flanked by multiple aircraft carriers. We watch as commercial shipping vessels loaded down with cargo make their way into port. But for all of … Continued

I sit awkwardly, muscles tensed, waiting for my target to float into view. My weapon, a glass pipette, poised to strike. Suddenly something gently glides into view, looking deceptively relaxed, with its’ six legs splayed wide, gently feeling the water currents. I slide the pipette carefully into the water, quietly sneaking upon the baby zooplankton … Continued

It is early in the morning and the day is barely starting for most of those on R/V Falkor – but not for Dr. Amanda Netburn or PhD. Candidate Elan Portner. Immune to the long hours behind them, the duo remains cheerful and lively as they sort the different samples they have collected through the night, including … Continued

I really can’t stop moving. There are two reasons for this. One is that I am on a ship. The other is that I am on a ship. Yes, these are distinct reasons. First, life as a scientist on a research vessel is busy. I am running (or rather walking briskly; we do not run … Continued