Victoria Trevino

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

As a midshipman, I major in ocean and atmospheric sciences at the Naval Academy where we focus on the science of meteorology and oceanography, but also the appliance of METOC in the US Navy. I have taken the Naval Academy's class of biogeochemical oceanography, a class which we frequently took samples from the Chesapeake Bay and the Severn River. We will take the yard patrol training naval vessels to gather data through CTD samples into the water. I am a part of the Oceanography club on campus where we are planning on traveling to museums and have guest speakers. I have also taken a severe storms class, polar oceanography class, and an environmental politics and security class which these three classes have had the most impact on my academic career. I enjoy learning about different types of oceanography and meteorology through a scientific, naval, and politic lens.
 

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I initially wanted to study environmental science at a civilian college, but picked the Naval Academy for my undergraduate. I wanted a major that could implement topics such as environmental science, marine biology, and mathematics in Naval application. I chose ocean and atmospheric sciences as my major because I have always been interested in studying the ocean and was curious about meteorology. Through my major, I realized I am more interested in meteorology topics than I thought I initially was. A majority of my instructors are METOC officers and as I meet them and learn about their own careers. As I further my academic career, I am applying myself to pursue my naval career as a METOC officer in the US Navy once I commission.
 

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My instructors that are also Naval METOC officers because as I have each instructor, they are able to share their own passions for the major or their job within the Navy. It is a privilege to have Naval officers as instructors because they are able to share their "sea stories" with their students, lessons learned, and their own career paths. Listening to their sea stories about their time as METOC officers allows me to picture a career where you can pursue your interest and use it towards a career.
 

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

The most fascinating part of my major is the ability to go on the water of the Chesapeake Bay for lab periods throughout the semester. There was a project where we sifted through the Severn River's sediment and analyzed various sizes of the sediment. We are able to study our backyard and utilize the water around the Academy for our research, specifically our senior capstone project!
 

How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?

I first heard about the Nautilus program through YouTube by watching their undersea exploration videos and showing my other oceanography friends videos I found enjoyable. I decided to apply the internship once I realized that it was the same Nautilus that I watched on YouTube. One of the previous oceanography department head's started sending midshipmen to the program and I am one of the lucky few to be participating in the program and the first after covid.
 

What other jobs led you to your current career?

When I was in high school, I attend a land stewardship program to increase my interest in environmental science. As an undergraduate student, I wanted to select a major that was closest to environmental science. My oceanography major has allowed me to study various classes in biology, math, severe storms, and meet officers in the METOC community. I have attend a meteorology conferences and met with guest speakers from NOAA and the Naval METOC command. I frequently take pictures of our on the water labs and post them to the department.
 

What are your degrees and certifications?

Pursuing an undergraduate in Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences - United States Naval Academy 2025
 

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy reading books about many topics and watching classic movies. I am a beginner rock climber and pickleball player. I like to crochet scarves and hats for my friends!
 

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

As an oceanography major, there is more coding and math based than I expected. I would suggest taking an outside course on coding or a different type of math class because it will help you in learning new technical skills within the career. Also, consider studying meteorology in addition to oceanography because atmospheric patterns have a great impact on the behavior of the ocean. Take every technical class you can and understand how you can apply that to your interest or furthering your career.