Anne Julian
Tell us about your work/ research. What kinds of things do you do?
As a data engineer, I am responsible for all of the technology aboard Nautilus that handles the data collected during expeditions. Some days that means I'm a network engineer troubleshooting routing and switching problems or running new ethernet cables, other days I'm a software developer working on the codebase that moves data around the ship, even other days I'm meeting with fellow corp of exploration members to figure out how to improve the systems on the ship so that they work optimally for the science they're trying to do. Many days I'm doing all of those things, and more!
What sparked your initial interest in your career?
I worked in my college's IT office while I got my degree in Fine Arts, and when I graduated, I realized that I enjoyed working with technology more than I enjoyed doing art in the context of work or a career, so I stuck with that instead of art. I grew up during the time that computers and the internet were first becoming ubiquitous in people's homes, and I was enamored with it all from the very beginning. My dad was key in fostering that love of technology; he taught me how to use a computer and, when I was old enough, how to build one.
Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?
I've been influenced and encouraged by many people! I've been lucky enough to find mentors and teachers along the way who taught me so much of what I know today and shaped who I am. One of the most important things for me, also, as a neurodivergent woman who entered the tech industry very early on, was to encourage myself - or, at least, continue forward even when I was deeply discouraged, to know deep down that I deserved to be there even when it didn't feel that way.
What element of your work/ study do you think is the most fascinating?
There are SO many fascinating aspects of technology, ocean science, and life at sea on a ship that I couldn't possibly pick just one. There are fish with gills that evolved to work like the whiskers of a cat, starfish that catch squid, and individual masses of water that move around the ocean independently of one another. We can read the history of the Earth from the geology of the ocean floor and see with multibeam sonar that there is a mass of life in the ocean, a few hundred meters down, spanning the globe. This world is absolutely, wildly fascinating; I'm convinced that if anything seems like it's boring, you just haven't learned enough about it yet.
How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?
I learned about Ocean Exploration Trust and E/V Nautilus at a college where I used to work, and found my current role from a post online advertising it. I was incredibly lucky to be the right person at the right time!
What other jobs led you to your current career?
The technology roles I've held directly connect to the work I do on Nautilus, but many other factors have helped me be the right person for this particular role. I have a lot of maritime experience, including being at sea as crew on small sailboats and living and working on my own sailboat. I also have mechanical experience fixing and building cars and motorcycles (and that aforementioned sailboat). Most importantly, I have a ton of experience diving into projects and fixing things that I initially have no idea about how they work. On an exploration vessel, you never know what a day is going to bring, and being ready to tackle whatever unexpected thing comes up is vital.
What are your degrees and certifications?
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Video Game Art and Design -- The Art Institute of Seattle 2011
What are your hobbies?
My go-to hobby on any given day is crochet, but I also freedive, sail, ride motorcycles, urban sketch, and code.
What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?
Learn everything you can from any source that presents itself as an opportunity. Don't wait for someone's approval or permission to get started in something, or restrict yourself to what you "should" be doing, but dive in and do your best. Even if it seems unrelated to where you want to go, you might find connections that are related, learn something that will become useful later on, or meet someone who will help you along to where you do want to be. Worst-case scenario, you'll learn something new. Also, don't be afraid to reach out and talk to people who are doing what you want to do. I've found people are really open to chatting and lending advice, and that was instrumental in getting me here today!
