Meet Ocean Explorer Meangeldil Ayla Azuma Malsol

OET proudly welcomes Meangeldil Ayla Azuma Malsol to the Corps of Exploration as part of the Science & Engineering Internship Program. This internship program supports community college, undergraduate, and graduate students in building professional workforce experience and exploring STEAM-related careers that connect to research themes like robotics, ocean science, education, and exploration. Ayla is joining E/V Nautilus for our NA167 expedition as an ocean science intern.

We sat with Ayla to learn more about her experience at sea and the path that led her to Nautilus.

 Describe your role with OET.

As an Ocean Science Intern on E/V Nautilus, I work with the science team as a data logger during the ROV dives of Lebuu's Voyage I. Some responsibilities include recording operational or scientific observations, taking images from the ROV cameras, as well as logging samples collected each dive. After ROV dives, some tasks include being in the wet lab and data lab, working with the samples that were collected, and also assisting the science manager with creating post dive reports and other data tasks.  

Can you tell us a little about your background? What influenced you as a child?

Growing up in Palau, the ocean is everywhere you look so it naturally becomes part of who you are. We learn early about conserving its resources through practices like Bul - a traditional way of protecting ecosystems that we learn from our elders, shaping how we view and respect our environment. Learning that early in life planted a desire in me to eventually want to pursue an education and a career in marine conservation.

So recently, I graduated from the University of the Ryukyus with a master’s degree in Marine Science. After moving back home, as a Marine Lakes Research Assistant at the Coral Reef Research Foundation, Im excited to keep learning and to hopefully give back to the ocean and the environment that has given me so much.  

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I think I always kind of knew that I wanted to do something related to the ocean, but I didn’t know what it was, just yet. I remember once joking about how I wanted to be a doctor by day, and a marine scientist by night. It seemed like a distant dream back then, but little did I know that, even though I’m not a doctor, the ocean would still play such a big role in my life.

What would you consider to be your greatest challenge entering this field?

Entering this field, I came to realize how important networking is. I consider it my greatest challenge because I often use my personality as an excuse to shy away from meeting new people and making new connections, and to stay within my comfort zone. Building connections doesn’t come naturally to me, but I am learning that it is important for growth and collaboration in this field. Im grateful for opportunities like these that have pushed me to grow in this area, and Im grateful to have met such kind, amazing people from whom I have learned so much.

Do you have any advice for someone looking to follow a similar path?

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone- its where the best experiences, connections, and learning happen. It took a while for me to eventually pursue an education and career in marine science, because I was afraid. In my undergrad years, I changed my major quite a bit, from being undecided to psychology and the social sciences, and eventually stepping into the biological sciences, that led me to a marine science program in grad school. I took that long detour because I feared failing in the field I truly wanted. But, theres also nothing wrong with taking some detours along the way to figure yourself out, because it definitely gave me valuable experiences. Just don’t be afraid, embrace the journey, and always stay curious.

What's next for your ocean studies and career?  

I hope to continue working and gaining experience at the Coral Reef Research Foundation. I have learned so much in just a few months and cant wait to see what the next months hold. Eventually, I’d like to further my studies but that’s a goal for down the road.