Meet Ocean Explorer Laura Gilfert

OET proudly welcomes Laura Gilfert 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. Lauren is joining E/V Nautilus for our NA178 expedition as a navigation intern.

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

Describe your role with OET.

        I am a Navigation intern aboard E/V Nautilus for NA178. I am working with the seafloor mapping data collected from the new EM304 multibean sonar system along our transit from Hawaii to Guam. I am cleaning the data we receive from the EM304 and deploying XBTs. I am also learning new software and how to project our data for presentation and educational purposes. Additionally, I am learning how the navigational aspect works along with seafloor mapping. OET has given me this incredible opportunity to learn, meet new people, and to contribute to scientific discoveries.  

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

        I am from Westerly, Rhode Island. I grew up going to the beach just about every day. I played many sports and was very involved in my community. My dad served in the Navy and I realized I wanted to follow in his footsteps. My family is a huge part of my life and they always encourage me to reach my goals. I am now a midshipman at the United States Naval Academy and will graduate in 2027 with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography. 

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

Growing up, I had really big goals for myself. I knew that I wanted to have a really cool career but wasn’t sure exactly what it would be. I went from wanting to be a lawyer to being an actor to being a doctor. However, it wasn't until the 8th grade when I found out about the Naval Academy. I looked at the career choices and saw that being a pilot was an option. Then one day my parents encouraged me to sign up for a familiarization flight in a Cessna aircraft. I thought it was the coolest thing I’ve ever done at the time. Since then, I've wanted to be a pilot. I also loved learning about the ocean and I am very grateful that I have the opportunity to do that as well!

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

        My greatest challenge was getting used to the lifestyle and being away from family. Though Annapolis is not too far from Rhode Island, I found myself very busy and distant from home. I even questioned if I made the right choice in my career. However, I realized that even on my hardest days, I still wanted to be at the Academy, I still wanted to be in the Navy, and I still wanted to fulfill my goals. The people I have met at the Academy and on my summer trainings at the Academy have become amazing friends, great motivators, and we always push each other to overcome challenges. I love where I am now and I am super excited for what's ahead!

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

        The advice I would offer is to push yourself out of your comfort zone, try new things, and always meet new people. Don’t be afraid to do something new. You never know what opportunities will arise, don't let fear stop you. If there's something new you want to try, do it. You never know what tomorrow will bring and the friendships you will make. I have met so many amazing people that have helped me get to where I am today. 

What's next for your ocean studies and career?  

        After my internship aboard the E/V Nautilus, I will be doing a summer training with the Naval Academy called Powered Flight. I will then begin my senior year at the Naval Academy. I hope to be a Naval Aviator once I graduate from the Naval Academy and will serve as an Officer in the Navy. I am super excited for what is to come and to bring what I have learned from my internship aboard the E/V Nautilus into my studies!