Nathaniel Buck

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

I sample and analyze hydrothermal plumes for a number of chemical constituents, with a specific focus on trace metals, to garner a better understanding of how underwater volcanoes affect ocean chemistry. 

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I was looking for a career that would allow me to be in public service, have a chemistry component to it, and involve fieldwork. Oceanography turned out to be the best fit.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

Two professors, in particular, influenced me the most: Dr. Bell who accepted me for an NSF REU position and Dr. Gobler who I worked with for my senior thesis.

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

Just getting a basic understanding of how materials are moved between the crustal and ocean environments.

What other jobs led you to your current career?

As a graduate student at Stony Brook, I studied trace metal and nutrient loadings into the East River and Long Island Sound. After graduating I worked for the Bermuda Atlantic Time-Series Study then found my way to Seattle to study hydrothermal vents.

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor of Science LIU, Southampton College 1999; Master's degree in Environmental and Coastal Sciences Stony Brook 2001

What are your hobbies?

Rowing and Baseball.