Rhye Rolls-DeWolfe

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

I work as a mechanical engineer designing and building platforms for instruments, creating deployment procedures, and performing field work. My role on the ship includes rigging platforms for deployment and ensuring the equipment is ready for the ROV to manipulate and move once it's on the seafloor. I'm often working outdoors in rain or shine, and my work clothes usually end up smelling like a fish market, but the ship work is my favorite part of the job.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I spent part of my childhood living on a sailboat, so I have always felt at home on and near the ocean. My interest in engineering was actually sparked by watching Star Trek for the first time, before that I wanted to be a fiction writer.  I was very influenced by my 11th grade physics teacher Mr. Clayton Uyeda, before his class I didn't realize that science could be interesting and applicable to my daily life - I'd never seen the fun in it before. A lot of the people I've met during my degree and career have been encouraging and I am continually learning how to carve out a place for myself from other's examples.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

I was very influenced by my 11th grade physics teacher Mr. Clayton Uyeda, before his class I didn't realize that science could be interesting and applicable to my daily life - I'd never seen the fun in it before. I've also been greatly influenced by the other women I've met in STEM, I feel like I'm continually learning from their examples how to carve space for myself in this career in a way that feels right for me.

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

For me the most interesting part of my work is when I get to be out in the field getting my hands dirty, seeing my designs in practice and using the various oceanographic equipment/instruments. I also love seeing what comes up on the platforms that have been deployed for long periods of time and seeing the different sea life that hitches a ride to the surface.

How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?

I joined an expedition in 2023 with my former employer Ocean Networks Canada on board Nautilus and found I loved being at sea and was really interested in the ROV work. 

What other jobs led you to your current career?

The most directly influential jobs for me ending up in my current career were my co-ops at Ocean Networks Canada, but I also worked designing biomedical prototypes, hybrid electric race-car components, and operating CNC machines in a machine shop. I think every job or project I've done has given me certain skills that I still use, even working at an ice cream Drive-In or designing stained glass panels.

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering - University of Victoria 2022

What are your hobbies?

I'm a stained glass artist, so in my free time, I'm doing that mostly! I also enjoy wildlife photography and can spend hours observing bugs and animals. Sometimes I watch them so closely I forget to blink.

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

The advice I'd give to someone going into my career is to believe your perspective is needed here, even if you don't see anyone around who looks like you. Believe you have something valuable to add to this field and try to protect that feeling of value in yourself. Sometimes some teams in STEM can be ironically unwelcoming to change and it can be hard to not feel othered sometimes. But you are needed here and you will find your way and your people. Everything else you can learn!