Meet Devin Resko

Devin Resko served as part of the mapping team during the 2016 Deepwater Exploration of the Marianas expedition. Read the full text of Devin's interview below to learn more about his experiences on the ship.

About Devin's Role

What were your duties as an Explorer-in-Training?

My primary duties included processing multibeam data, conducting the deployment of expendable bathy thermographs (XBTs), and additional GIS work leading up to the start of the cruise.

Which school are you attending?

I am currently pursuing my Masters of Biology at the University of Guam Marine Laboratory.

Where was your work experience located? If you were working at sea, what were your impressions of living and working on a ship?

The summer 2016 cruise aboard NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is my second research cruise stint, but first with NOAA. We took the Okeanos Explorer throughout much of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and finished the cruise in Guam.

I enjoy living and working at sea. You are able to partially go “off the grid,” which can be a breath of fresh air. However, life at sea can be challenging. I worked the “graveyard” shift. The late night hours are not as bad as trying to get sleep during the daytime hours. (Hint: earplugs may be your best friend while at sea.) Overall, the routine one adheres to while at sea results in great scientific data collection, which is quite gratifying.

What sparked your initial interest in ocean sciences?

Growing up in Kansas did not provide many opportunities to get familiar with the marine realm. Summer family trips to the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean helped spark my initial interest in the ocean. Attending Jacksonville University for my BSc in Marine Science laid a fundamental base in this field while also boosting my interest in the marine sciences and solidifying my choice in a career path.

What was the most personally rewarding part of your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of the cruise I was able to join was broadening my experience in the marine sciences field. Much of my own work focuses on the biological side of marine science. So being able to come aboard and completely dive into a new branch of marine science was extremely gratifying.

Also, being able to live, if only for a few weeks, completely surrounded by the ocean is an amazing experience. Once out of cellular range, the feeling of disconnecting from the notifications and emails and focusing solely on the research being done is great.

How do you see this experience fitting in with your future career plans?

This opportunity has primarily allowed me to branch out into the marine science field. This trip has exposed me to many components of ocean exploration, from the software programs utilized to the geological points of interest to look for when examining preliminary data. It has also showed me the many different career paths one can take and still be connected to the ocean. I hope to stay in touch with the people I’ve worked and connected with during this cruise.

For More Information

Related Ocean Explorer Content

2016 Deepwater Exploration of the Marianas