Mae Lubetkin

Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?

I am an independent researcher with a scientific background in marine geology and subsea imaging. Mediation is helpful to both understand and preserve the deep ocean, which is physically inaccessible to humans without technology. For this reason, marine geophysical data collection, submersibles, and underwater imaging are key components of my scientific interests. As the Science Manager on Nautilus, I ensure that dive interpretation, sample processing, data collection and curation are accomplished in collaboration with our cultural liaisons, scientists, and engineers, both aboard and onshore.

As a transmedia artist and writer, my practice-led research remaps our relations to bodies of water and digital worlds by means of investigation, counter-narrative, and memory. My artistic practice is in dialogue with Science while situated in queer, intersectional, anti-extractivist, and decolonial frameworks. Guided by wet-techno-critical studies and other-than-human worlds, I recompose environmental traces through installations, digital, and sensory outputs. My core practice is in solidarity with submerged, ancient, ephemeral, and imaginary environments. 

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

My relationship with the ocean began at 14 when I moved to coastal Wabanaki land, now also known as Maine.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

I'm inspired by my many writers, artists, and practitioners. The people I love, my communities, and the ocean itself deeply encourage me.

What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?

Spending time with the ocean at sea is the most fascinating and generous part of my work.  

What other jobs led you to your current career?

Working as a teaching assistant (University of Rhode Island and Bates College), outreach scientist (Narragansett Bay Classroom), research assistant (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the University of Massachusetts), curatorial assistant (Harvard Museum of Comparative Zoology and URI Marine Geological Samples Lab), media/data specialist (R/V Atlantis), and with Ocean Exploration Trust at sea and ashore has shown me a variety of possibilities which led to my position as Nautilus Science Manager. 

As an independent researcher and transmedia artist, these recent opportunities have shaped and further developed my practice: Le Cabaoui Artist Residency (2025), Tactical Tech ‘Exposing the Invisible’ Research Consultancy (2025), TBA21 Ocean Archive Digital Residency (2023-2024), Inspirační Fórum Lab ‘Bodies of Water’ Art/Research Fellowship (2023-2024), Random Kingdom ‘Queer Ecology’ Art and Game Design Residency (2024).

What are your degrees and certifications?

M.Sc. Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, 2019 

B.Sc. Geology (with concentrations in Philosophy, Water and Society, and North Atlantic Studies) Bates College, 2016 

PADI Rescue Diver

What are your hobbies?

music, rock climbing, friendships, motorcycles

What advice would you give someone who is interested in a career like yours?

Ask why, be proactive, practice listening, and collaborate. If you don’t see a way of life or career that fits you, consider doing something new.

How did you get involved with the Nautilus Exploration Program? How did you get on the ship?

I first joined Nautilus as an Ocean Science and Seafloor Mapping intern in 2015.