Julia O'Hern

While aboard the ship I will assist Dr. Shari Yvon-Lewis with water sample collection for analysis with a Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer. The samples are collected from Niskin bottles on the CTD rosette using large, glass syringes. Water samples will be analyzed for halogenated hydrocarbons including CFCs, which are used as water mass tracers. I love being at sea, so I’m very excited to work on the ocean near Antarctica. While I’m not working at sea, I have usually occupied my time by writing my thesis, since I’m just now finishing my master’s research. However, on this cruise I’ll also likely keep a watch out for whales. Much of my master’s study focused on the habitat of sperm whales in the Gulf of Mexico, so I’ll be hoping for a sighting of some the Antarctic Ocean’s cetaceans!