Ophelia Christoph

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

I specialize in the geotechnical aspects of offshore wind. My specific area of research is on the Mid-Atlantic Bight along the Eastern US Continental Shelf. The offshore wind energy sector is growing, and with that comes growing wind turbines and moving further off the coast. We do not yet know much about the sea floor, especially the sediments underneath the surface. My research is to investigate these sub-bottom sediments and how the different sediments interact with different turbine foundations. Some of these foundation types are monopiles, suction caissons, jackets, and gravity bases, and they all have their own preferential sediment layer order. Many of these answers can be found through geologic surveys of the area, but at the moment they are few and far between.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

When I was young, I had watched many movies about saving the environment. Mainly, the one that sticks out most to me is Ferngully The Last Rainforest. Right then and there as a toddler I knew I wanted to grow up and save the planet. As I got older my passion for the environment only grew as I became an advocate among my peers in school. This passion solidified into a career path as I went to university for environmental science in undergrad. My concentration was focusing on renewable energy, and the first day of my offshore wind class I was hooked. Ever since that first class I knew that is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. After successful completion of my degree I knew that I needed to learn more to be able to help the world the best I could. I believed I could make the most difference by going back to school to get my doctorate specializing in wind energy. I looked at different research ideas for offshore wind and the geological aspects peaked my interests due to the need for more research in this area. Since then I have learned/discovered so many interesting things about offshore wind and geological oceanography and I cant wait to share them with other people!

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My mom has been an amazing inspiration in my life. She raised myself and my brother as a single mother and is the sweetest woman alive, despite the negative hand she received in life. She never gives up hope and has amazing perseverance through anything she does. My mom inspires me to be an optimistic person and has made me believe that I can do anything I set my mind to.

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

I think the most fascinating thing about my research is the existence of paleochannels, aka buried rivers in the ocean. Paleochannels are the most interesting because I did not know the sediment still moved when in a river if that river was buried under more sediment. This makes an interesting obstacle for offshore wind engineers and I am curious to see what they do to combat this issue.

How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?

I applied for the Seafloor Mapping Internship because my graduate college assistant dean sent me the link, and I am so glad she did! Now I am a part of the team as an intern and I am excited to make a contribution to the research.

What other jobs led you to your current career?

When I was in high school, I went to a vocational high school specializing in Environmental Landscape Management Technology. Here, I learned about all broad aspects of the environment. While I was there my passion for renewable energy was ignited upon a discussion about the history of electric vehicles. Because it was a vocational school I was encouraged to get a job in my field, so I had applied for a job at a perennial plant nursery as a growers assistant. I was quickly promoted to a grower but then they realized I had an affinity with numbers and was promoted again to inventory manager. Having this experience along with receiving my bachelors in environmental science allowed me to become a wonderful candidate at an agriculture science company upon graduation. I was a propagation specialist/ associate investigator, meaning that I grew plants and ran experiments on them for the company. After working there for over a year I realized the damage that some chemicals could do to the life around us and this inspired me to go back to school to follow my true passion- trying to protect the environment through renewable energy.

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science- University of Delaware May 2020;
Offshore Wind Skills Academy- Project development from A to Z- June 2022;
Currently completing Ph.D. in Geological Sciences/ Earth Science
with a Graduate Certificate in Wind Power Science, Engineering, and Policy - University of Delaware expected graduation December 2026

What are your hobbies?

I love to paint, hike, and take photos of nature. I also love to cook, and especially love to eat the food I cook!

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

I would say as long as you have a passion for what you are doing you will be happy. Always try to follow your passion. 
I would also say don’t be afraid to go back to grad school it is 200% worth it.