Research Expeditions & Field Ops

I’ve extensive experience planning and executing scientific and exploratory expeditions around the world. Whether flying into a fully equipped marine lab, or needing to outfit an entire vessel with research gear for extended off-grid exploration, I excel at the logistical planning process and leading teams to execute a mission’s objectives. Since 2014, I’ve planned and led 5 successful SUSiE Expeditions to study remote coral reefs of the Exuma archipelago. I’ve also led and/or participated in scientific expeditions in Mexico, Belize, Australia, Hawaii, eastern Pacific, Micronesia, and the Flower Garden Banks.

Scientific field operations are where I excel. I’m competent on vessels of any size, any distance offshore, and in any sea condition. I have an advanced working knowledge of engines, compressors, electrical systems, plumbing, marine hardware, and other trades commonly encountered in marine scientific field work. I’m also an AAUS Scientific Diver since 2003, with over 2000 research and exploratory dives. Since 2006, I’ve designed and taught an Advanced Marine Field Ops curriculum to young college scientists aboard SUSiE Expeditions each summer.

SUSiE Expeditions

As the Founder and Program Director of SUSiE Expeditions, I've designed and executed 6 student-led research expeditions aboard sailing catamarans. Aboard these expeditions, I've led over 50 college students, far off-grid, to study and explore remote coral reefs of the Exuma archipelago.

Expedition Planning

Any successful research expedition starts with extensive planning. I strive to be meticulous when considering the complex logistics and the potential challenges likely to be encountered during an expedition.

Expedition Gear & Inventory

Testing gear and equipment before embarking on any expedition is critical to its success. Whenever possible, redundant back-ups of key pieces of gear and equipment are included in the expedition inventory. Likewise, consideration of tools, materials, and supplies to build or repair things in the field is equally important.

Local Knowledge

Soliciting 'local knowledge' of an area or potential expedition route is always good practice. Navigational hazards are always changing, and often not depicted on the available charts or cruising guides for a region. A prudent expedition leader uses all the resources available, especially local guidance when available, to plan expedition routes and field ops.

Off-Grid Research

I enjoy tackling the challenges and logistics of planning off-grid research. SUSiE Expeditions often collects coral samples for genetic analyses. Airbrushes powered by SCUBA tanks (shown here) are used to remove the coral tissue and prepare it for preservation. We must pack centrifuges to separate the symbiotic algae from the coral tissue and carry Liquid Nitrogen to flash freeze the samples.

Marine Field Research

My expertise in marine field research is extensive, diverse, and global. I've experience leading and participating in research expeditions on both motor and sailing vessels, from small boat ops to ship-based, both coastal and offshore. I'm also experienced in planning and participating on expeditions to remote field stations, where the team arrives by air and the scientific equipment and/or samples are transported by air or ship.