National Intern Day 2024

Aidan Barlow-Diemer

Explorer-in-Training (Shore-Based, Underwater Cultural Heritage)
Graduate, University of Rhode Island

Aidan is originally from Anchorage, Alaska, and graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a B.A. in art history and museum studies. After her undergrad, she worked on commercial fishing vessels in Alaska before graduating from the University of Rhode Island in 2024 with an M.A. in history and a focus in underwater archaeology and anthropology. As an Explorer-in-Training, Aidan is working on underwater cultural heritage data analysis projects under the mentorship of NOAA Ocean Exploration’s Frank Cantelas and Phillip Hartemeyer. As part of this work, Aidan is creating a guide for utilizing a video annotation platform for maritime heritage sites in order to encourage maritime heritage specialists to participate in this new form of data analysis. She is also writing exploration dive site summaries and National Registry of Historic Places eligibility determinations for World War II shipwrecks in the South Pacific. Aidan’s passions are history, getting outside all year long, cooking, and art.

“I am excited about the professional development opportunity that NOAA offers after the term of the internship. Hopefully I will be going to the Society for Historical Archaeology meeting in New Orleans in January 2025 to present with my mentors on the video annotation interface for remotely operated vehicle footage that we have been working with.”

Lia Kim

Explorer-in-Training (Hybrid, Education, Media, and Science Communication)
Undergraduate, Barnard College of Columbia University

Lia Kim is a third-year undergraduate student at Barnard College of Columbia University, where she is pursuing a B.A. in political ecology. In June and July, Lia joined NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer as a science communication intern through the Explorer-in-Training Program. While aboard the ship during the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 1 expedition, Lia worked with native Hawaiians and cultural liaisons to communicate the intricacies of deepwater mapping and the natural and cultural significance of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaiian culture and history. She brought an anthropological perspective to her communications about life at sea on a research vessel and plans to apply this experience to her future endeavors in science education, outreach, and environmental journalism. Lia is originally from Tenafly, New Jersey, and in her free time, she loves to journal, play tennis, and spend time outdoors.

Check out Lia’s daily reflection logs from her time aboard Okeanos Explorer!

Jules Lieberman

Hollings Scholar
Undergraduate, Oberlin College

Jules Lieberman is a 2023–2025 Ernest F. Hollings Scholar and a rising senior at Oberlin College studying biology. During their internship, they worked with NOAA Ocean Exploration’s Science and Technology Division and combined remotely operated vehicle footage annotations and acoustic data from three water column exploration dives conducted during the Windows to the Deep 2019 expedition to investigate whether faunal diversity and abundance were significantly different above, below, or within the Blake Plateau's deep scattering layer. Jules is fascinated by aquatic ecology, specifically the morphology and diversity of elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, skates, and sawfish). They also care deeply about diversity, equity, and inclusion work. Outside of their research interests, Jules enjoys writing fiction, playing tabletop role-playing games, and arranging music.

“My favorite part of my internship experience has been collaborating with NOAA scientists to annotate dive footage. My wonderful mentors have a depth and breadth of knowledge and humor, just like the ocean they study. I look forward to seeing how the data I generate gets transformed by the international community of scientists who use it.”

Alicia Marley

Lapenta Intern
Graduate, University of Miami

Alicia Marley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and geography from the University of St. Andrews and is currently pursuing a professional master's degree in marine biology and ecology at the University of Miami. She is particularly interested in employing her field and data analytical skills in marine spatial ecology applications. As an intern through the NOAA William M. Lapenta Student Internship Program, Alicia is working with NOAA Ocean Exploration’s Data Analytics and Synthesis Team on handling and visualizing data generated by Argo floats using the R programming language to explore subsurface temperature anomalies in the Gulf of Mexico. Alicia hopes to apply her improved data analysis skills and penchant for fieldwork to a future career in coastal ecosystem management. When the weather is nice, Alicia likes to hike, scuba dive, and snorkel, but enjoys listening to a good audiobook while crocheting on a rainy day.

Camden Oathout

Explorer-in-Training (Shore-Based, Emerging Technologies - Environmental DNA)
Graduate, Southeastern Louisiana University

Camden recently received her Masters of Science from Southeastern Louisiana University where she researched fish communities in different aquatic ecosystems using environmental DNA (eDNA) as a sampling method. As an Explorer-in-Training, Camden is working in NOAA’s National Systematics Lab based at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History to process deep-sea eDNA samples collected on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer.

“From a young age I have always been interested in aquatic life, watching fish at the surface of docks in rivers and lakes across the Midwest. Originally from Nebraska, I never would have expected to be where I am today studying the deep sea. It's truly an amazing experience! After this internship, I hope to return to Louisiana to begin a career as a fisheries biologist and continue my work with eDNA.”

Raymond Phipps

Explorer-in-Training (Shore-Based, Photogrammetry Data Processing and Historic Preservation)
Graduate, East Carolina University

Raymond Phipps returned as an Explorer-in-Training in Spring of 2024, having completed a previous internship with the office in Summer 2023. During his internship with NOAA Ocean Exploration’s Science and Technology Division, Ray worked on creating photogrammetric models of the aircraft carriers USS Yorktown, IJN Akagi, and IJN Kaga which Ocean Exploration Trust surveyed on September 9, 2023, during the Ala ‘Aumoana Kai Uli expedition. He recently graduated from East Carolina University’s Maritime Studies Program where his research focused on understanding the motivations behind technological modifications made to U.S. Revenue Cutter Bear during its 89-year service life. He enjoys hiking, traveling, scuba diving, playing music, and fencing.

Rohan Vaswani

EPP/MSI Scholar
Undergraduate, University of California at Irvine

Rohan Vaswani is an undergraduate at the University of California-Irvine majoring in Earth system science with a specialization in oceanography and minoring in literary journalism. He is a 2024 NOAA Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI) Undergraduate Scholar and is excited to explore a new aspect of the NOAA mission as he interns with NOAA Ocean Exploration. Rohan is working within the Science and Technology Division and his project involves annotating remotely operated vehicle Deep Discoverer water column footage along with analyzing bioacoustic and conductivity temperature depth (CTD) data to study pelagic fauna in the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and Azores Plateau, collected during Voyage to the Ridge 2022 expeditions. He has diverse interests in ocean exploration, physical oceanography, science communication, marine technology, and marine operations. Outside of his work, Rohan loves to do photography and explore the outdoors through hiking, backpacking, kayaking, and cycling. Rohan aspires to commit to a career of public service and is interested in the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps.

Elizabeth Huang

Explorer-in-Training (Expedition-Based, Ocean Mapping)
Undergraduate, Whitman College

Elizabeth Huang is a fourth-year geology and English student at Whitman College. During her Explorer-in-Training internship aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer as part of the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 1 expedition, Elizabeth helped to monitor, collect, and clean bathymetric data in real time and learned what it is like to live on a research vessel at sea. She is fascinated by the ocean floor and is particularly interested in how it represents deep time. She strives to combine her love of storytelling with science and wants to be a part of deciphering and communicating the narratives that can be extracted from scientific work. Elizabeth plans to attend graduate school to further her studies in geology with a focus on field- and lab-based sedimentology/stratigraphy, paleontology, and bathymetry. One of her long-term career goals is to go to sea as a sedimentologist. In her free time, Elizabeth loves to collect rocks, crochet, quilt, and pet cats.

Anabel Kinsey

Explorer-in-Training (Expedition-Based, Ocean Mapping)
Undergraduate Student, Fordham University

Anabel Kinsey is originally from O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, and is currently a rising sophomore at Fordham University double-majoring in computer science and economics. During her Explorer-in-Training internship, Anabel joined the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 1 expedition aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, contributing to the collection and processing of deep-sea ocean mapping data. Anabel was initially inspired to engage in conservation research after the native ʻōhiʻa lehua trees in her childhood backyard were decimated by Rapid Ōhi’a Death. She presented her project, “The Effects of Indigenous Microorganisms on the Native Hawaiian Ōhi’a Lehua’s Pathogenic Resistance to Fungal Myrtle Rust,” at a student science conference at the NOAA Inouye Regional Center. Anabel has also previously received a research grant from the Kay Fellowship program, which inspired her passion for research. She is especially interested in how data can be used to help solve complex issues, such as protecting Hawai‘i’s natural resources.

Claudia Martinez

Explorer-in-Training (Expedition-Based, Ocean Mapping)
Graduate, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Claudia Martinez holds a bachelor’s degree in geoscience from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree at the same institution. She participated in undergraduate research funded by the Geological Society of America’s Awards for Geochronology Student (GSA AGeS2) focused on geochronology work to study the mantle geodynamic origins of seamounts in the Mariana Trench region. Currently, she is working on her master’s degree studying an island-arc hosted hydrothermal vent site near the Izu-Ogasawara Trench. After her internship with NOAA Ocean Exploration, Claudia will be joining a research cruise with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) in the summer of 2024, aiming to explore further the hydrothermal vents by the Izu-Ogasawara Trench. Claudia enjoys outreach and volunteer work, striving to inspire the youth in learning marine science. She is passionate about understanding the geological processes shaping the seafloor to further unravel the many mysteries of the seafloor.

During her Explorer-in-Training internship, Claudia sailed on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer as part of the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 1 expedition. Her primary role as a seafloor mapper involved learning about the intricacies of data acquisition and processing essential for creating high-resolution maps. “I enjoyed unravelling seafloor features such as seamounts, cones, and ridges that had never been mapped in such detail. In addition, I gained a profound insight into the cultural significance of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. I had the privilege to learn about Hawaiian culture, providing perspective on how vital the interplay between science and cultural heritage is.”

Shannon Fitzgerald

Explorer-in-Training (Expedition-Based, Ocean Mapping)
Undergraduate, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Shannon is a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, having completed her B.S in physical geography. As an Explorer-in-Training, Shannon is participating in the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 2 expedition aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, where she is aiding in deep-sea mapping of the seafloor within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument using multibeam sonar technology. Since graduating at the end of 2023, she has been working to develop a career as a professional mariner on educational research vessels. Presently she holds a U.S. Coast Guard Limited Master and Ordinary Seaman credentials. For several years, Shannon taught marine science and navigation through nonprofit youth sailing programs where she developed a love for science education and public outreach. She is passionate about equitable and accessible oceanic research and experiences as she believes it is the best way to connect people to one of our largest and most important shared resources. When she is not on the water, she loves caving, skiing, and fixing ham radio towers!

“I am excited to experience first-hand an extended expedition at sea and all that goes into delivering the high-resolution bathymetry that we rely on. I recently took an in-depth course on oceanography, so I am especially interested in how sonar can be used to gather water column data that is used by professional oceanographers. Additionally, I am hoping to gain more perspective on the relationship between oceanic data and global meteorologic research.”

Nika Lebedev

Explorer-in-Training (Expedition-Based, Ocean Mapping)
Undergraduate, Oregon State University

Nika is a rising sophomore at Oregon State University, majoring in oceanography with minors in mathematics and chemistry. As an Explorer-in-Training, Nika is sailing aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer on the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 2 expedition in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Nika hopes to gain experience in mapping and physical oceanography as well as learning more about life at sea. Nika is looking forward to specializing in physical oceanography before pursuing her Ph.D. in physical oceanography. At Oregon State University, Nika studies estuaries, specifically looking at temperature variability. She is a PADI Divemaster and an AAUS Scientific Diver who works with Oregon State’s recreation and scientific SCUBA programs.

Cidney McMahon

Explorer-in-Training (Expedition-Based, Ocean Mapping)
Undergraduate, Syracuse University

Cidney is a fifth-year undergraduate student pursuing degrees in Earth sciences and philosophy at Syracuse University. Cidney is interested in oceanography-related research and during her time as an undergraduate, Cidney has had the opportunity to conduct marine-related research projects at Syracuse University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, and University of Canterbury. Cidney strives to promote diversity in geoscience and wants to serve as a resource for students who would like to pursue a career and degree in geology. She hopes to bring a philosophical perspective to the sciences and plans to apply her knowledge and living experience at sea to her future career in Earth sciences and educational outreach. As an Explorer-in-Training sailing aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer as part of the Beyond the Blue campaign, Cidney looks forward to learning different ocean-related research techniques, working with a crew, and learning how to sail for extended periods of time. Cidney is originally from Houston, Texas, and has a strong love for African American and Afro-Caribbean literature. In her free time, Cidney writes African American fiction novels and reads books by authors like Toni Morrison.

Gina Knox

Explorer-in-Training (Expedition-Based, Ocean Mapping)
Undergraduate, Old Dominion University

Gina is a senior at Old Dominion University majoring in geography with an expected graduation in Fall 2024. Throughout her academic and professional journey, Gina has developed a profound interest in geospatial and imagery analysis and the science of light and sensors, which is driven by her love for exploration and mapping. Gina will join the Explorer-in-Training Program this fall, where she will participate in an expedition focused on mapping waters around Johnston Atoll as part of the Beyond the Blue campaign. In her free time, Gina enjoys hiking long distances and dreams to thru-hike the entire length of the Appalachian Trail northbound from Georgia to Maine. She is always seeking opportunities to share her passion for exploratory science, conservation, and the outdoors with others.

“I am very excited to join the NOAA Explorer-in-Training Program, where I will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on field research that focuses on marine and atmospheric science. I believe my past work in geospatial analysis has prepared me to contribute meaningfully to NOAA's research efforts, and I am eager to learn and apply advanced mapping technologies.

Growing up in the brutal winters in Wisconsin, I developed a practical understanding of the importance of safety and accessibility in gear needed to transverse harsh weather and extreme environments. This has evolved into my interest in the human-centered design of outdoor and exploratory equipment, especially for use in harsh and remote environments. I am excited for this unique opportunity on the Okeanos Explorer to learn about the type of gear used in NOAA explorations, including wearable and safety gear, and hope to work on an individual project that can contribute to my application for a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in outdoor gear design at CU Denver.

Outdoor exploration and conservation have also led me to a life behind the camera, where my passion for photography and documentation continues to grow. Through photography and my work in geospatial and imagery science, I have learned a great deal about sensors and imaging and data collection, which I believe will add to the overall mission of mapping the seafloor. I am excited to bring my unique perspective to the Explorer-in-Training Program and contribute to a meaningful research initiative in the field of marine and atmospheric science.”

Abigail Norstad

Explorer-in-Training (Expedition-Based, Ocean Mapping)
Undergraduate, University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire

Abigail recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire with a Bachelor of Science in geology, where she got mapping and ArcGIS experience from field camp courses held in New Mexico and Montana. During her Explorer-in-Training Program internship with NOAA Ocean Exploration, Abigail will join the Beyond the Blue: Johnston Atoll Mapping 2 expedition, sailing from Hilo, Hawai‘i to Honolulu, Hawai‘i on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer. Abigail plans to go to graduate school to study geomorphology/glacial geomorphology, hoping to study the climate's effect on glaciers and erosion rates. She is preparing to take the Fundamentals of Geology Exam in the spring of 2025. Abigail looks forward to working with others, learning more about the research and data collection process, and seeing what life is like on Okeanos Explorer.

"Having this opportunity to join this expedition is amazing! It is going to help me gain the skills to move forward in my career, giving me hands-on research and mapping experience, as well as more experience with programs like ArcGIS."

Sarah Hutchinson

Explorer-in-Training (Expedition-Based, Ocean Mapping)
Graduate Student, Hawaii Pacific University

Sarah recently completed her Master of Science in marine science at Hawaii Pacific University as a Dr. NOAA Nancy Foster Scholar with the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. Growing up on the water in Annapolis, Maryland, sparked her early interest in ocean exploration. Previously, Sarah conducted research at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, studying the connection between global waterborne and vector-borne diseases and climate variability. Since relocating to O'ahu, Sarah's work has centered on researching and communicating the health, population dynamics, and cultural significance of marine resources in the Hawaiian Islands. Some projects include conducting health and risk assessments on Humpback whales in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and mapping and cataloging all known plane wrecks and shipwrecks in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. She has engaged in outreach activities at summer camps and schools, educating students about NOAA science, and contributed to public communications for the tentative sanctuary designation of Papahānaumokuākea. In her leisure time, Sarah finds joy in diving, sailing, photography, community involvement, and exploring both land and sea. She will be participating in the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 3 expedition and is particularly looking forward to acquiring the ocean mapping skills needed to succeed in the field of ocean exploration.

Prajna Jandial

Explorer-in-Training (Expedition-Based, Ocean Mapping)
Graduate Student, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Prajna is a master's student at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa studying ocean engineering. She is extremely fascinated by underwater sound, technology, and all the exploration possibilities at the intersection of these fields. Prajna’s journey to acoustics started with robotics and systems engineering, and once she was introduced to ocean exploration, there was no turning back. Prajna has always wanted to contribute to technology that could aid conservation efforts and ocean acoustics has paved that path for her.

“I am excited about the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 3 expedition where we will collect acoustic data to map the seafloor of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. Papahānaumokuākea is a special place in Hawaiʻi and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to experience these remote islands. Having mostly worked on either simulated or opportunistic data, this would be the first time I will be collecting acoustic data at this scale and learning about how these operations are done in real-time. The lessons I will learn aboard Okeanos Explorer on this expedition will stay with me throughout my career moving forward!”

Astrid Zapata De Jesús

Explorer-in-Training (Expedition-Based, Ocean Mapping)
Graduate Student, University of New Hampshire

Astrid is a graduate student at the University of New Hampshire, where she is pursuing her Ph.D. in oceanography. She holds a B.S. in industrial microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico, along with a minor certificate in environmental public policy and sociology. Astrid’s doctoral research is focused on understanding the interactions of microplastics with ocean microbes and their impact on biogeochemical cycles. This work has led her to several opportunities for offshore research, including in the East Coast Ocean Acidification Cruise 3 (ECOA 3) aboard NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown, University of New Hampshire Ocean Process Analysis Laboratory cruises aboard the Gulf Challenger, and upcoming cruises planned along the U.S. West Coast. As an Explorer-in-Training, Astrid will gain experience in seafloor mapping on the Beyond the Blue: Papahānaumokuākea Mapping 3 expedition sailing in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.

“My experiences in science have strengthened my passion for ocean research and motivated me to be a role model for future scientists. I'm deeply intrigued by the potential effects of microplastics on ocean processes. Exploring this complexity requires further investigation and calls for interdisciplinary connections- hydrography, physics, geology, etc.! From marine pollution to ocean acidification and climate change, the scope is vast. I'm eager to contribute to identifying gaps in our understanding to drive actionable solutions. My vision includes collaborating with esteemed organizations like NOAA, where I see myself making significant research contributions. Since my first time aboard a research vessel, I've developed a deep appreciation for sunsets, sunrises, and stargazing offshore. There's truly nothing like it, and I'm excited to continue collecting more memorable experiences!”