My interests focus on the synergy between microbes and geochemistry and perhaps nowhere on Earth is this relationship more distinct than at seafloor hydrothermal systems. Loihi is especially interesting because its unique hydrothermal chemistry allows for detailed investigations of iron and manganese geomicrobiology. My group (including Nuzzio, Chen, Ricardo) is contributing to the overall FeMO scientific research objectives by concentrating on the chemistry of the system. We are: (1) conducting in situ redox chemical analyses on varying spatial resolutions, (2) deploying in situ data logging instruments for temporal records of temperature and redox chemistry, (3) collaborating with Dr. Olivier Rouxel in conducting wet chemistry analyses on discrete water samples, and (4) collaborating with Dr. Dave Emerson in conducting microbial iron oxidation kinetic experiments.

Where is your hometown?

I’ve lived all over the U.S. east coast, but now live in Kaneohe, Hawaii.

What is your career?

I am a professor at the University of Hawaii, Oceanography Department, Marine Geology and Geochemistry Division.

What is your education and training?

I have a B.S. degree in Biology from Pennsylvania State University, a M.S. in Marine Studies from the University of Delaware, concentrating on estuarine ecology, and a Ph.D. in Marine Studies from the University of Delaware, concentrating on the chemical oceanography of oxic-anoxic transition zones. My postdoctoral work was with the NASA Astrobiology Institute at the University of Hawaii, where I began focusing on subseafloor hydrothermal geomicrobiology. Loihi provides an easily accessible system that has many parallels to the subseafloor biosphere.

What inspired you to choose your career and which persons were your role models?

When I was four years old, I told my parents that I wanted to be a marine “biologist”. I guess trips to the beach and all those great, cheesy Jacques Cousteau specials had an early impact on me. The more I learned about actual marine sciences, the more hooked I became. My intentions to take off and be a ski bum after “school” have been quenched largely due to the great mentoring I’ve received through grad school and my postdoc.

What are some of your favorite things about life at sea?

The thrill of discovery: it’s incredible to get the opportunity to see the deep seafloor everyday. The comradery: this is a great group of researchers and people, in general. The food: three delicious meals a day is something I seem to rarely make time for at home. Sunsets on the ocean are always a favorite.

What do you do in your free time?

Fill out education & public outreach questionnaires. Seriously, there isn’t really much free time at sea for anything other than sleeping and eating and the occasional walk around the deck. We typically put in 18-20 hour work days, especially on cruises less than three or four weeks. At home, SCUBA, surfing, hiking, snorkeling, and going to the dog park with my wife, Christine, and border collie, Magellan.

Anything else you’d like to say?

The hard work, talent, and consistently positive attitude of the Jason group and ship crew make all this possible and fun. And, again, this is a great group of scientists and I’m really glad to have become a part of the project.

Contact information:

Department of Oceanography
University of Hawaii
205 Marine Sciences Building
1000 Pope Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96822
Website: http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/oceanography/glazer/

---

FeMO2 Cruise Home Page

---