Terra Eddy

What is your job on the ship? I have been on watch in the Jason II control van helping to record data and log events. In the near future I will be helping to retrieve and process cores taken from the Mariana forearc mud volcanoes.

How long have you been doing this? I am fairly new to marine science. Last semester I took an oceanography class and now here I am getting to experience, first hand, the applications of the principles I have learned.

What is your favorite part of what you do? I’ve got lots of favorites! One is all of the silly, fun, and amazing people I get to work with. Another is increasing my understanding of the planet I live on and therefore my appreciation of it.

What is the least favorite part of your work? Waiting for more work to do and the sometimes odd hours work needs to be done at. I like to be busy and I like my sleep.

How/why did you get into this field? I have always loved the ocean and MATE undergraduate research experience program has given me the chance to expand my education while doing what I love.

What are your career goals? To spend as much time as possible sailing and learning about the ocean. In the future I hope to be able to share what I have learned with others by becoming a science teacher or by deciding on a specific field to study and write papers on.

What is the biggest misconception about what you do? That all scientists are strict, serious, humorless people.

What is the most important skill/trait that you rely on? My willingness to learn and my sense of humor.

What is your most memorable experience from your career? Being on a ship in the middle of the ocean surrounded by water, wind, waves and sky.

Tell us something about yourself. I am from Santa Cruz, California where my immediate family including my wonderful fuz dog Neesa Bear, all live. I am interested in adventures of all sorts. I love to make people laugh and smile but if they don’t, I will.