Meet Ocean Explorer Marin Hodge!

OET proudly welcomes Marin Hodge to the Corps of Exploration as part of the Science & Engineering Internship Program. This internship program supports community college, undergraduate, and graduate students in building professional workforce experience and exploring STEAM-related careers that connect to research themes like robotics, ocean science, education, and exploration. Marin is joining E/V Nautilus for our NA171 expedition as a video engineering intern.

We sat with Marin to learn more about her experience at sea and the path that led her to Nautilus.

Describe your role with OET.

As a video engineering intern on the Nautilus, I serve as part of the video team to ensure the wellbeing of all camera systems on board. We also control the live feed that is streamed to audiences around the world. The cameras are the eyes for everybody in the control van! We are in charge of visuals and the audio levels; making sure everything sounds as good as it looks! Filming everything from the launch and recovery of the ROVs to the little critters we find in the deep sea, all while making it accessible to anyone online!

Can you tell us a little about your background? What influenced you as a child?

My background is rooted in narrative and documentary filmmaking, any kind of storytelling really. When I was younger, my mom brought home a copy of Studio Ghibli’s Ponyo one afternoon and I was totally enamoured with what film was and what it could be. Eventually, I got involved in my high school's film and television production program and that drastically changed my path and showed me that these dreams could be a reality. Once I got a camera in my hands, I never let it go. I’ve always loved working with cameras and cinematography in general. Since then, I have been capturing the world the best way I can. 

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an architect, journalist, photographer and eventually I ended up with filmmaker. I have moved back and forth between cinematographer and director my whole life, but I have started to realize that these two roles are not entirely separate. The camera is an extension of us. And being a very visual thinker, I tend to direct in visuals, so it is not all that different for me!

What would you consider to be your greatest challenge entering this field?

Definitely my struggle with math or sciences, I have always been interested in marine biology but never proficient at it. Struggling with those topics has led to a lot of self doubt, but discovering my voice as a filmmaker has helped me in this process tremendously. One of the most significant things being a part of Ocean Exploration Trust has taught me is that each role serves just as important a purpose. There is such a collaborative aspect to any kind of filmmaking, that without one person, it would not be the same. Especially here at OET, everybody is essential.

Do you have any advice for someone looking to follow a similar path?

You are your own product! Be confident in your ability to sell yourself and your skills. I’ll admit that I felt like the Nautilus internship was something far beyond me. When I applied, my parents and I said we would talk about it if I got it. It was not something that I thought could be possible for myself, but here I am now! So many things can seem daunting if you talk yourself into a hole, but sometimes things just pop up. Don’t put yourself in a box of what you should be doing, just go and discover who you are during those windows of opportunity!

What's next for your ocean studies and career?  

After this expedition, I head back to school at Florida State University to complete my undergraduate degree in Motion Picture Arts Production in May of 2027. Once I graduate, I am looking to develop myself in the film and documentary industry. Nautilus has further cemented my interest in pursuing a career in ocean documentary and filmmaking. I am looking forward to seeing what I will learn in the days to come and how it will influence me and my career!