Where are you from, and what is your role in Extreme 2004?

Originally, I'm from Pembroke, Massachusetts. It's a small town between Boston and Cape Cod. I moved to Delaware to attend the University of Delaware, where I graduated with a degree in Biology and Education. Currently, I attend the University of Delaware College of Marine and Earth Studies in Lewes, Delaware.

During Extreme 2004, I have quite possibly the best job of any member of our team. My official title is "Shipboard Education Coordinator," which means that I'll be the eyes and ears of all the students following our expedition from their classrooms around the world.

What questions are you trying to answer and why?

Throughout the expedition, I'll be trying to answer all the questions that the students send to us via our Web site. Since I'm a "rookie" at life on a research vessel, many times I'll be going to the scientists and crew to find the answers. When I find something out that I think is interesting, I'll be adding it to various sections of our Web site. So, we'll be learning together at the same time.

Why is this research important? What are the benefits?

The research that the Extreme 2004 team will be conducting while we're at sea is important for many reasons. First, we know less about the deep ocean than we do about the moon — there's so much for us to learn! Secondly, some of the discoveries that we make may have implications for industry, medicine, and science. Finally, hydrothermal vents are an extreme environment, and many scientists believe that life on this planet began in an extreme environment. So by studying hydrothermal vents, we may help unlock secrets to many of science's most difficult questions about the evolution of life.

What is your background, and what lured you into marine science/education?

When I was very young, once of my favorite things to do was to go to the beach. I loved to play in the rocky intertidal, examining tide pools and all the wonderful creatures that live there. When I got a little older, my family took many trips to the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts. Eventually, my father got me started in scuba diving and working as a volunteer at the aquarium. After that, I was hooked. I simply couldn't read enough or learn enough about the organisms that live in the ocean. Every new fact that I learn creates a new question that needs to be answered.