Meet Sally Jarmusz
Read the full text of Sally's interview below to learn more about her experiences.
About Sally's Role
What were your duties as an Explorer-in-Training?
My duties were assisting the marine technicians in collecting and processing sonar imagery data from the EM302 multibeam sonar. I learned how to process backscatter imagery, analyze water column imagery, and process sub-bottom profiles and seafloor bathymetry. Additionally, as my project on board, I created a summary map of all the compiled backscatter imagery in ArcGIS.
Which school are you attending, or did you recently graduate from?
I am currently attending Maine Maritime Academy (MMA), where I am majoring in Marine Science/Small Vessel Operations with a minor in Sail Training. My dual major will allow me to obtain a 200-ton USCG license in addition to a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science.
Where was your work experience located? If you were working at sea, what were your impressions of living and working on a ship?
I was very fortunate to work on board the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, where we sailed southeast of Bermuda to map the seafloor in support of the Galway Statement on Atlantic Ocean Cooperation. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of my experience on board, from learning how to process multibeam data in the Science Control Room to learning about the operations on the bridge from the civilian and NOAA Corps deck officers. I made it my goal to learn as much as possible about the ship, from both a scientific and maritime perspective. Being on board a research vessel was the best of both worlds for me as I was able to pursue my passions of both marine science and vessel operations. The marine technicians and the ship’s crew were wonderful in answering my many questions and showing me what they do as part of their jobs on board. One of my favorite things to do after my watch in the Science Control Room was to spend some time out on the bow, admiring how clear and blue the water was. Since I am from Maine, I was amazed by the beauty of the waters near Bermuda! At the end of this expedition, I left with a strengthened desire to one day work on a research vessel combining my two passions: marine science and being at sea helping to operate vessels.
What sparked your initial interest in ocean sciences?
Growing up in Georgetown, a small island in Maine, I was exposed to the wonders of the ocean at an early age. Watching the waves crash on the beaches, exploring tidal pools, and seeing the boats sail in and out of our local harbor fascinated me and made me realize that I want to spend my life on the sea, exploring the mysteries of the ocean. This passion for the marine world continued throughout my high school career and led me to attend MMA, where I could study the two things I love best: boating and science. My interest in seafloor mapping and desire to work on research vessels was sparked as a Student Opportunity Participant on board the R/V Falkor during my third year as an undergraduate at MMA. On this expedition, I participated in a seafloor mapping project covering an area near the Phoenix Islands Protected Area (PIPA) in the South Pacific Ocean. Through this experience, I came to truly appreciate not only the vastness of the open ocean, but how much of what lies beneath it has yet to be explored. When I returned to MMA, I focused my senior research capstone project on using side-scan sonar to create a map depicting the sedimentary environments of the local coves near MMA. Through these experiences, I realized that I am happiest when working on the water, helping to uncover the mysteries of the seafloor.
What was the most personally rewarding part of your experience?
The most personally rewarding part of my experience was meeting such wonderful people on board who shared their amazing experiences with me, answered my endless questions about scientific and shipboard operations, and helped me learn as much as I could about the scientific, deck, and engine operations on board. I really enjoyed learning not only from the marine technicians and ship’s crew, but my fellow Explorers-in-Training as well. They were so amazing to work with and each had their unique experiences to share. Additionally, ever since I learned about the NOAA Corps when I first started my studies at MMA, I have been extremely interested in joining the Corps, so it was beyond exciting for me to have the opportunity to meet the NOAA Corps Officers on board the Okeanos Explorer and learn about their experiences and responsibilities.
What is the most unexpected thing you have learned?
With the amazing instruction of the marine technicians, I was able to learn much more than I thought possible in just under a month on board the Okeanos Explorer. When I first arrived, I was nervous I would not be experienced enough to help with the seafloor mapping operations. However, by the end of the expedition, I became more comfortable with the sonar mapping technology than I thought I could be in such a short time. I learned a tremendous amount, and this experience made me even more eager to continue learning about seafloor mapping.
How do you see this experience fitting in with your future career plans?
As a student studying both marine science and boating, I am beyond grateful to have been a part of the offshore opportunities on board the Okeanos Explorer. I am deeply attached to working on board ships in addition to marine science, and it is my life’s dream to able to work on board an active research vessel. Ultimately, I would love to hopefully join the NOAA Corps or work as a marine technician on board research vessels once I graduate. I am extremely grateful to have been able to gain experience working on board the Okeanos Explorer, as this experience has helped me grow in developing valuable shipboard skills and learn more about my passion for ocean exploration.