Ana Hoffman Sole

Tell us about your work/ research. What kinds of things do you do?

I just graduated, so I'm exploring and figuring out where I want my career to take me. I love marine science, robotics, and working with teams of people to do cool things, so the deep sea seems like the perfect fit for me. During my undergrad I was on a robotics team that built a little autonomous underwater vehicle for competition every year. I also did research on the function and firing dynamics of a stinging cell unique to tube anemones.
 

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

After finally getting over the fear of joining a robotics team in high school, I realized I enjoy building stuff, watching it run, and fixing things as issues pop up. I also liked learning to use new tools and working in a team towards a shared goal, so I kept doing robotics in college, despite doing my degree in biology. I'm excited to help explore the deep because there are so many fascinating things to learn and because I like working with the tools we use to study it all.
 

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My parents have always encouraged me to explore, starting before I can remember. They've continued to support and encourage me as I've grown into bigger adventures and more specific interests.
 

What element of your work/ study do you think is the most fascinating?

I'm fascinated by how our tools shape our view of the world. When we only saw the ocean from the surface and the coasts, we thought the deep was pretty much empty. As we've built more and more tools, we've learned a ton about the weird and wild things going on down there. I can't wait to see, and maybe help operate, the tools that come next.
 

How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?

I applied for the science and Engineering Internship Program after finding it online.
 

What other jobs led you to your current career?

My high school and college robotics experience provide the engineering experience I need, but I've picked up other skills though other opportunities. I've spent six weeks sailing a tall ship across the Pacific through a Sea Education Association study abroad, which has made me more confident moving around and working with a team on a boat. I worked in a biology lab for most of my undergrad, there I learned how to think scientifically and rigorously answer questions. I've learned a ton by working on different projects with different people, so I'm excited to dive into this one.
 

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences -- Cornell University 2026
 

What are your hobbies?

I love to climb and ride my bike, I play dungeons and dragons and sometimes I make dungeons and dragons dice, and I like making music with my friends.
 

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

I'm very early on in my career so I'm exploring what the world has to offer. By trying things out I've gotten some awesome experiences and met some cool people, so go try stuff.