2024 Knauss Fellow, Rosie Chapina, Sets Sail on NOAA Pacific Islands Expedition

By Lake Champlain Sea Grant
October 06, 2024

Lake Champlain Sea Grant 2024 Knauss Fellow Rosaura “Rosie” Chapina has spent the past nine months working with NOAA Ocean Exploration.

Rosie’s portfolio focuses on maximizing the use of samples collected from the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorerand the E/V Nautilus, which include biological, geological, and eDNA samples. Additionally, she is coordinating the logistics for bringing the NOAA Ship Discoverer into operation. She is actively engaging in discussions and collaborating with various NOAA line offices to further advance these efforts.

This summer, Chapina was part of an ROV dive on E/V Nautilus near Hawaii, she met with different scientists and was part of fruitful conversations regarding sampling and priorities in the field of ocean exploration. Rosie also spent four weeks sailing on NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, on an exploratory mapping expedition (EX2405) from Honolulu to Hilo, Hawaii.

The E/V Nautilus is a research vessel operated by the Ocean Exploration Trust, founded by Dr. Robert Ballard, who is known for discovering the wreck of the Titanic. The NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer is the only NOAA ship focused solely on exploring unknown parts of the ocean. Okeanos Explorer expeditions use mapping sonars and remote operated vehicles (ROV) to explore areas ranging from 250 to 6,000 meters (820 to 19,700 feet). Expeditions typically involve 24-hour mapping or a combination of daytime ROV dives and overnight mapping. Okeanos is operated by the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, and is part of NOAA's fleet which is managed by the NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations. NOAA Ocean Exploration handles the mission equipment used on the ship and coordinates its exploration efforts.

"I never imagined I would be working alongside scientists on collaborative projects with the Ocean Exploration Trust, founded by Dr. Robert Ballard, the discoverer of the Titanic. Being immersed in deep-sea research has truly been an eye-opening experience."

This was one of six expeditions in 2024 to support the Beyond the Blue: Illuminating the Pacific project. The project uses deep sea mapping to enhance knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of the waters in the Pacific Islands region. This campaign involves several partners collaborating on coastal and ocean mapping, exploration, and characterization. 

After her expedition in the Pacific, Rosie continued her professional development journey by getting scuba dive certified in Hilo, Hawaii. This certification will enhance Rosie's career opportunities in aquatic biology related to habitat assessments and marine/freshwater conservation projects, and will support hands-on experience in aquatic ecosystems.