Dr. Laura Guertin (TAS 2014) put a creative spin on charting the sea floor on June 17, 2015 during the Expert is In presentation at the Smithsonian National Institution of Natural History’s Q?rius Education Center. She introduced the concept of hydrography by connecting it to the underwater search for the popular Avenger’s character, Captain America. She then shared hands-on nautical chart activities, shared her experience as a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Teacher at Sea aboard NOAA ship Thomas Jefferson, and the science of charting the sea floor with the public. 

Dr. Guertin was joined by NOAA Retired Rear Admiral Sam DeBow who offered his vast experience and knowledge during the presentation. As the director of NOAA’s Office of Marine and Aviation Operations and the NOAA Commissioned Office Corps, Ret. Rear Admiral DeBow helped to advance NOAA’s use of GPS, high-resolution side scan sonar, and shallow water multi-beam systems to survey the sea floor.

Laura’s American Geophysical Union (AGU) Blogosphere Post about her Smithsonian presentation can be found here.