About the Blogger

My name is Julia DeMarines, and I will be responsible for the majority of outreach on the OASES 2012 cruise, with the help and input of others, of course. I am excited to get to know everyone as well as to learn about the science happening aboard and how a cruise like this operates—one that attempts to explore the deepest parts of the ocean. In my posts I will follow breaking news and activity onboard and I will be interviewing the crew and science team to give readers a chance to meet as many people on board as possible.

To give you a brief background, I am an astrobiologist who is passionate about communication. I also have experience in photography and the photos that you see on this blog were taken by me, unless otherwise noted.  Currently, I hold the position of research assistant to Dr. David Grinspoon, curator of Astrobiology at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. My research history involves the spectral detection of remote biosignatures on exoplanetary atmospheres and the social implications of astrobiology. I hold a masters' degree in space studies from the International Space University in Strasbourg, France, and an undergraduate degree in astronomy with a minor in geology from the University of Colorado.

While I have some knowledge of space science and the biology of extreme and alien places, I am somewhat of a novice in oceanography—and sailing for that matter—so this cruise will be quite a learning experience for me. But I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity. We encourage you to keep following as the adventure unfolds, and please feel free to share this blog with anyone who might be interested! I will also be maintaining a personal blog about my thoughts and experiences on the cruise.

For now, bon voyage

-Julia