Meet Ocean Explorer Alexandra Parr!

OET proudly welcomes Alexandra Parr 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. Alexandra is joining E/V Nautilus for our NA181 expedition as an ocean science and seafloor mapping intern.

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

Describe your role with OET.

I am currently aboard the E/V Nautilus in a hybrid role as both the Seafloor Mapping and Ocean Science Intern for the NA181 expedition to Wake Atoll! During our transits, I assist the mapping team with acquiring and processing the data from the multibeam sonar to map the seafloor and the sub-bottom profiler to understand structures and layers of sediment that make up the seafloor.

Once we started diving, I transitioned over to the science team, where I acted as a data logger, cataloging and recording all our observations on the seafloor. After dives, we processed and prepared all the biological and geological samples collected during the dives. It was incredible to see the organisms from 5000m deep right in front of me! Another task I help with is summarizing the main events and sampling images for the dive report. It has been a wonderful and unexpected opportunity to work with both the mapping and science teams aboard!

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

I had the lucky opportunity of growing up on two tropical islands, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste. Growing up with access to incredible reefs and beaches fostered a deep love for the ocean. Throughout middle school and high school, I was a part of a service group called Reefkeepers, where we organized projects to mitigate impacts to Sri Lanka’s reefs and to reduce plastic pollution islandwide. Then I moved back to Minnesota, away from the ocean and back to the lakes!

In college, I was introduced to studying geology and volcanology after taking a class on geohazards. I studied abroad in Iceland where I conducted research on the Eldfell volcano on the Vestmannaeyjar Archipelago. Visiting these volcanic islands sparked my interest in learning more about underwater volcanism and the formation of islands from seamounts, which inspired me to apply for Nautilus!

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

Growing up, my answer to this question changed everyday, from interior designer to figure skater, and it still continues to change everyday! The possibilities only grow as I learn new things and meet new people. 

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

Finding and learning about available opportunities is definitely a challenge. While some opportunities can be found with a deep dive google search, many require reaching out to people and networking. Intimidating!

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

Be open to a range of experiences! During my summers while I was in college, instead of conducting research or getting an internship, I led canoeing trips for teenagers in northern Minnesota and Canada. I gained so many skills from guiding these trips that have been transferable in many unexpected ways. 

What's next for your ocean studies and career?  

During this next year I am planning to try out different areas of geology and gain more fieldwork experience before pursuing grad school to study volcanology!