Anabel Baker

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

I work on maintaining and operating deep-sea remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). I work as a part of a team to make sure the vehicles are in good shape and ready to dive when they are out of the water, and to pilot the vehicles to help scientists safely and effectively achieve their research goals while they are in the water. As a co-pilot, I assist the Hercules pilot in operations such as tether management, towsled (ROV Atalanta) piloting, system checks, and managing vehicle peripherals like cameras and sampling equipment.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?
I love the ocean and strive for a career where I am able to work with ocean ecosystems as an engineer. Working at sea is rewarding, challenging, and fun! My first at sea expedition was as a student data logger on a short maintenance cruise aboard a UNOLS ship, and I’ve been returning to sea ever since.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My family and friends, including my Samish people. I was also inspired by many youth programs: Ocean Research College Academy (ORCA), Center for Wooden Boats ROV, Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science (GEMS), Seattle Aquarium Youth Ocean Advocates, and the Coast Salish Youth Coalition (CSYC).

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

Working in the marine environment makes one learn to expect the unexpected. Every time I work in the ocean, there is always something new and interesting to discover, from fascinating critters to global-scale physical processes. Each day is a new adventure!

How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?

I first learned about OET in high school through a friend from the Seattle Aquarium’s Youth Ocean Advocate program. While working at the Hatfield Marine Science Center Innovation Lab at OSU, I was encouraged to apply for the E/V Nautilus ROV intern position by my peers and mentor, and was thrilled to get to sail with OET that summer. 

What other jobs led you to your current career?

My work as an Youth Ocean Advocate at the Seattle Aquarium encouraged my passion for the ocean. I also discovered ocean career pathways and the field of ecological engineering through my participation in the Coast Salish Youth Stewardship Corps. At an internship at the Hatfield Marine Science Center Innovation Lab through Oregon State University, I was able to deepen my knowledge in electronics and the engineering design process.

What are your degrees and certifications?

Associates in Arts and Science– Everett Community College 2020. 
Bachelor’s in Science in Ecological Engineering- Oregon State University 2024.
Master’s in Engineering in Ecological Engineering- Oregon State University (Graduating June 2025!).

What are your hobbies?

My “indoor hobbies” are art and gaming. Dungeons and Dragons is one of my favorite tabletop games, and I also like to play video games in my spare time. Outdoors, I enjoy SCUBA diving, canoeing, beachcombing, tide pooling, looking for agates and fossils on the Oregon Coast, and backpacking in the Olympic mountains!

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

There are many different paths to an ocean career. Engineering can seem intimidating at first, especially if you are underrepresented in the field. Engineering school is far more approachable than it is made out to be, is a great fit for creative minds, and specialized courses allow you to explore your passions and invest in your work. Even if engineering seems like an academic monster, give it a try!