Lily Dove, PhD (tbc)

What’s the work that you do?

I study the efficiency with which carbon can be transferred from the atmosphere to the deep ocean, and how ocean dynamics impact this exchange. I approach these questions by using in situ observations from autonomous vehicles and data from satellites to study interactions between ocean physics and biogeochemistry. My research focuses on the Southern Ocean, which is a driver in the global ocean circulation and climate cycle.

What keeps you going?

There are two aspects of my job that I particularly enjoy: Going to sea to collect data and doing outreach talks with local middle schools. My happy place is being out on the ocean (preferentially the Southern Ocean!) putting scientific instruments in the water, making measurements, and seeing the amazing natural landscape, even though it can get wavy and stormy at times! In addition, I love sharing pictures of my work and doing classroom demonstrations with local middle school students. Their excitement fuels me and keeps me energized about my research.

What’s your message to the world?

My most defining moment of being a polar researcher was while I was aboard the RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer in the Amundsen Sea in March 2020. As the rest of the world began social distancing, the 60 people aboard the ship continued working together to progress the science. It was emotionally taxing and physically draining, even more than traditional field work, but I learned about how to support myself and others in trying times. I now try to carry these lessons into my day-to-day life off board the ship, too.