20 May 2008 Laura, Carlos, and Sars

Finally, YES-we got permission this afternoon for dredging and recording data in Chilean waters! Everybody is so excited and relieved by the news of our official Chilean permit. We now have until about lunchtime on Thursday to complete our science before starting our transit back into Punta Arenas. The Corals group got to work immediately with collecting multibeam sonar data for mapping the seafloor and a Towcam was put down for collecting images. The dredging will begin quickly after Laura and Rhian analyze the maps and images. Part of my day was spent getting to know 2 members of our cruise a little better. I would like to introduce our 2 Argentine Observers, Laura and Carlos. They are both scientists that were asked to join our cruise as observers for the Argentine government because we would be doing science in their country's waters. It has been a pleasure having them on this expedition. Here is a little more information about each of them.

Carlos

Carlos is 1 of our 2 Argentine observers and he is a physical oceanographer.

What is your role on this cruise? Argentine observer.

What did you study, where, and why? I studied Oceanography in Argentina at "Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires” (private university). One year ago I discovered the results of a vocational test given to me at school when I was 12 years old. The conclusion of the test was that in my future I would have a career that involved Astronomy, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, GeologyThe science that deals with the dynamics and physical history of the earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the physical, chemical, and biological changes that the earth has undergone or is undergoing. or Engineering (Oceanography was not a well known science at that time). Oceanography incorporates all of these things!

What is your official job title? Research Associate.

What are your interests on this cruise? I came on this cruise without a particular interest outside of my role as an observer since I wasn’t involved previously in any of the scientific programs. Argentine authorities decided to send me on the cruise just a few days before of its beginning.

Do you have any previous cruise experience? Many, more than 40…

What has been your favorite part of this experience? To share the daily life and work with the nice people on board.

What do you do in your free time away from science? I enjoy riding my motorcycle (and many other things).

Laura

Laura is giving her big buddy Cesar a little love. Photo is courtesy of Laura Schejter

What is your role on this cruise? Argentinean Observer

What did you study, where, and why? I finished my undergrad in Biology in 2000. I have my masters in Aquatic Ecosystems (I studied in Spain for this, in the International University of Andalucia), I finished my PhD in 2005, I had then a Postdoctoral Position, and I’m now an Assistant Researcher at CONICET (National Council for Scientific and Technical Research/ Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Cientificas y Tecnicas). I did my career and my PhD in Mar del Plata, Argentina. I did part of my Postdoc in Mar del Plata. I’ve also been working in Italy. I have always liked biology and animals, so it was not a difficult choice! Apart from that, I have an intermediate certificate in the English language, and an advanced certificate of the Italian language.

What is your official job title? I’m an Assistant Researcher of CONICET, and I work at the National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development (Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo Pesquero INIDEP), Argentina.

What are your interests on this cruise? The Argentinean government sent because I’m a specialist in benthic communities (animals living closely associated to the sea floor). The US Embassy in Buenos Aires assigned me the research project on fossilized corals by Laura Robinson. If a foreign vessel wants to work in jurisdictional waters of another country, and then they have to ask for permission and offer a place for observers. And that’s why I’m here, as an observer. I’ve been working in invertebrates associated to the seafloor for many years. I also have experience in vessels because I used to participate in national and international research cruises since 2000. I asked about the possibility to get samples for research purposes, so that’s why I’m also sampling marine sponges. I’ve been working in marine sponges for a few years now, in taxonomy (identification) and the opportunity to get material from this cruise is really nice…and I’m doing that!

Do you have any previous cruise experience? YES!

What has been your favorite part of this experience? Probably, seeing all the beautiful icebergs. I only have seen land icebergs in lakes, but never in the sea.

What do you do in your free time away from science? Lots of things! Dancing Tango (and I’m also an assistant in teaching Tango lessons), dance rock and roll with a group, and I like to dance traditional Argentinean folk. (any couple dance is good for me!) During the weekends, I’ve been working in a zoo as a volunteer for almost 2 years… I try to spend as much time as possible with lions, which are my favorites!! Cubs and adults… they are great!!