Exploration of Deepwater Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for Biotechnology Potential

My First Expedition Experience

This was my first expedition, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. Originally, I was to provide project support from land by educating teens from the Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County about our exciting deep-sea mission. But after working closely with the biomedical research team at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute on this outreach component, they invited me to join them at sea as soon as a spot opened up. My lucky day! Little did I know, these wonderful people would soon become family.

Courtney Brooks records the activity on the ship during Exploration of Deepwater Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for Biotechnology Potential.
Courtney Brooks records the activity on the ship during Exploration of Deepwater Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for Biotechnology Potential. Image courtesy of Exploration of Deepwater Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for Biotechnology Potential. Download largest version (jpg, 3.68 MB).
Kirstie Francis, Carol Kim, Courtney Brooks, John Reed, and Madison Lytle (left to right) pose with their protective gear as they get ready to launch the remotely operated vehicle.
Kirstie Francis, Carol Kim, Courtney Brooks, John Reed, and Madison Lytle (left to right) pose with their protective gear as they get ready to launch the remotely operated vehicle. Image courtesy of Exploration of Deepwater Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for Biotechnology Potential. Download largest version (jpg, 3.42 MB).

It was truly an incredible experience: seeing the research happen "behind-the-scenes" and helping document some amazing discoveries. The excitement in the room when each sample successfully made it into the collection bin never got old, even the 136th collection was a thrill! It was gratifying to be around others that shared the same enthusiasm for science. After 10 days of learning about marine sponges, I’ve developed a special interest in, and an even greater respect for, these unique animals.

Throughout this journey, I captured video footage of it all: from flying into San Juan, Puerto Rico, to board the ship to preparing samples in the lab to deploying the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and exploring the depths of the ocean. I also filmed interviews of everyone on board — scientists, engineers, ROV operators, and the ship’s captain, first mate, and chef — to answer questions (nearly 50) from the teens from the Boys & Girls Club. We will share this footage with the teens, so they can feel like they were there with us. We will also share it with the broader community through a variety of outreach initiatives.

Courtney Brooks records the launching of the Mohawk remotely operated vehicle.
Courtney Brooks records the launching of the Mohawk remotely operated vehicle. Image courtesy of Exploration of Deepwater Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for Biotechnology Potential. Download largest version (jpg, 4.33 MB).
Courtney Brooks and Madison Lytle handle the umbilical tether for the remotely operated vehicle.
Courtney Brooks and Madison Lytle handle the umbilical tether for the remotely operated vehicle. Image courtesy of Exploration of Deepwater Habitats off Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands for Biotechnology Potential. Download largest version (jpg, 3.76 MB).

As extraordinary as this experience was, getting through my first expedition was no easy feat! Struggling with seasickness throughout the expedition was a challenge, but nothing was going to stop me from participating in this momentous research. I was very blessed to have been surrounded by such a supportive group of individuals that truly cared for one another.

The most valuable things I’ve taken away from my first expedition are the new friendships and meaningful connections I made with my fellow teammates. Learning about everyone’s different experiences, outlooks, and passions was certainly awe-inspiring. They helped make this such a fun and unique adventure. I wouldn’t have wanted my first time at sea to be with any other team!

By Courtney Brooks, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute, Florida Atlantic University
Published September 17, 2024