Vincent Johnson

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

In the past, I have done research projects focused on the atmosphere-ocean interactions. My biggest undertaking was a research project on the effects of ocean conditions in the southwest Indian Ocean on the ITCZ (Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone) and the development of extreme weather events like tropical cyclones as a result. It involved taking some of a tropical cyclone's characteristics, such as pressure, wind speed, and intensity, and cross-referencing them to ITCZ conditions in the hopes of identifying any patterns that may help us better discern when tropical cyclone seasons may be more intense before they arrive. Anything involving analyzing ocean science data is of interest to me and I hope I can gain more experience doing at-sea research during this opportunity. I am also excited to learn more about ocean science communication and the efforts being made to connect more people with this incredible branch of science.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

When I was young I had the opportunity to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I found the flora and fauna that populate our oceans to be fascinating, and decided from then on that I wanted to pursue a career in ocean sciences. I originally went to Oregon State University for marine biology, but quickly transferred to Oregon State University to pursue oceanography when I found that my interests leaned more towards the physical characteristics of the ocean. I then started to get interested in mapping when I took a class on the subject my senior year. This has all led to today where mapping the seafloor and discovering new things about the ocean is a facet of oceanography that I want to learn more about.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

I worked for a principal investigator at Oregon State University that would always check in on what I was doing to reach my goals, which are to conduct ocean science research at-sea. She would encourage me to put in the extra effort to stand out among the crowd and develop true passion for science and research. Her words of encouragement and suggestions on how to always strive to do more have stuck with me to this day and have helped me carve out a true passion for science and research.

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

I really find it fascinating when the data makes a coherent picture and tells a story over time. Seeing everything logically make sense and knowing that I was at least in part able to make the discovery is extremely fascinating to me.

How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?

I was originally searching for a way to get experience conducting research on a boat when I came across OET. Their mission statement and opportunities immediately resonated with me and aligned with my passions closely. From there I applied for the seafloor mapping internship and was lucky enough to be accepted as part of the 2023 cruise season.

What other jobs led you to your current career?

I have worked a few different jobs that have led me to where I am today. As a sophomore I worked at an aquatic research laboratory at Oregon State where I assisted in research that aimed to quantify the effects of Cadmium on zebrafish optical and motor function. I also helped a joint effort between Oregon State and the Environmental Defense Fund by conducting field surveys of Yaquina bay. I monitored boat traffic and deployed/recovered a waterproof microphone that recorded boat sounds for a project that aimed to create a "boat sound library" that could be used to remotely monitor ship traffic in and out of environmentally protected marine areas. I participated in an internship at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution where I conducted a research project on tropical cyclone variability in the southwest Indian Ocean. I eventually presented this project at Ocean Sciences Meeting 2022 as a student presenter. Over time the jobs I took focused more and more on ocean science research and have all been instrumental in shaping my current interests in ocean science.

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor of Science in Earth Science, Focuses in Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences - Oregon State University 2022

What are your hobbies?

Going to school in Oregon I developed a love for hiking and beach exploration. If it's raining too hard to go outside I have a small record collection that I love to listen to. In the winter I try to go skiing as much as I can.

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

I think that taking chances and putting yourself into uncomfortable situations is one of the best ways to grow as a person and develop your interest within ocean sciences. It also helps immensely to be flexible about what you want to do in the future. Just meeting people in the community or cold calling professors/researchers whose research you are somewhat interested in will help you get your foot in the door and show that you have passion and drive for ocean science.