Students board the Nautilus vessel before Marianas Trench expedition

Students from the University of Guam’s (UOG) National Science Foundation Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES), Navigating Home and Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) programs recently embarked on an extraordinary journey of scientific discovery, touring the state-of-the-art research vessel, Nautilus Live. This unique opportunity provided future island scientists with an invaluable firsthand look into cutting-edge ocean exploration and research.

The three capacity building programs operate of out the UOG and are dedicated to broadening participation and fostering STEM education and aims to empower the next generation of marine and environmental scientists. The tour of Nautilus Live perfectly aligns with this mission, offering a tangible connection to the deep-sea research that shapes our understanding of the ocean.

Franki Guerrero of the UOG Capacity Building Team works closely with the students through their journeys and fellowships.

“I enjoyed seeing the students have a chance to really visualize the kind of science that is at work around our region,” said Guerrero. “They are taking away a lot of great information and inspiration from this tour.”

Operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET), Nautilus Live is renowned for its telepresence-enabled expeditions, allowing scientists and the public worldwide to participate in real-time deep-sea exploration. The vessel is equipped with advanced remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and mapping systems, enabling the discovery and documentation of new marine species, geological formations, and historical artifacts on the seafloor. The vessel will be conducting an expedition to the nearby Marianas Trench.

During their immersive tour, UOG students explored various sections of the vessel, including the control room where ROVs are piloted, the data labs where scientific observations are processed, and the communication hubs that transmit live feeds from the ocean depths. They had the chance to interact with the ship’s crew and scientists, gaining insights into the diverse careers available in oceanography and marine science.

The visit to Nautilus Live underscores the University of Guam’s commitment to providing its students with unique, impactful learning experiences that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting. By connecting with leading global research initiatives like the Ocean Exploration Trust, UOG continues to cultivate a capable and engaged workforce ready to address the pressing environmental challenges facing island communities.