Chloé Berger
Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?
My research projects have spanned microbial ecology, geochemistry, deep-sea community characterization, and marine water chemistry. Most recently, I have worked to investigate the relationship between water masses and aragonite (the mineral that corals use to build their skeletons) levels in the deep ocean using computer models. On this expedition, I will be taking skills acquired from all of these projects to help collect baseline ecological information of sediments and nodules in the Mariana region. My main research interest is the interactions microbes might have with critical minerals in the deep sea, including precipitating them, dissolving them, or otherwise contributing to their elemental cycling. Once we are able to collect sediment cores and nodules, I will process them for sequencing of DNA/RNA and chemical analysis. I will also begin live microbial experiments in my lab with the deep-sea microbes that we collect to determine their metabolic expression under different conditions!
What sparked your initial interest in your career?
My path to the deep-sea actually began by watching Nautilus Live as a teenager. I had always been interested in environmental/marine science, but mystery drew me to the ocean's depths. I could have never guessed at the time that I would one day be able to participate in an EV Nautilus expedition as one of those excited scientists.
Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?
I have had many incredible mentors in my life that have encouraged me to keep pursuing a career in science, from high school, community college, and now at Temple. I am so grateful to have been surrounded by people who believed in me even in moments where it was difficult to believe in myself.
What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?
I am most driven by the unique microbial metabolisms that drive biogeochemical cycling of elements in the deep ocean, existing despite extreme pressures, temperatures, and the notable absence of light energy. It is absolutely incredible the things that microbes can "eat" to sustain themselves and how those products can influence environments at a large scale.
How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?
I refined my research ideas over the years as part of my work in the Cordes Lab before submitting as part of the Call for Science Input with Marina Garwood.
What other jobs led you to your current career?
Before going back to school, I worked in early childhood education; this experience lends itself well to communicating complex scientific principles to the general public. I have held many odd jobs from dog walking to working in a bakery that have all contributed to my development as a person. Learning to collaborate with others through any type of work is a learned skill necessary for operating in the realm of science. Upon starting my degree, I pursued opportunities to practice what I was learning in classes in a hands on way through research whenever I could - at community college as a lab assistant and research tech, a National Science Foundation funded internship, and through projects in several labs.
What are your degrees and certifications?
Associate of Science in Biology - Community College of Philadelphia
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Minor in Geology (in progress) - Temple University
What are your hobbies?
I am a rabid houseplant collector and spend my free time taking care of them, playing with my pet conure, or working at my local Pilates studio.
What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?
Don't be afraid to talk to people! Your passion and initiative are easily recognized by the people that share them - which would include anyone who chooses to study the sea. Your own curiosity is your most useful tool, so keep reading and learning about the things that interest you the most. Asking questions is what makes a scientist. In the deep sea especially, most questions must be answered from an interdisciplinary angle, and having a breadth of knowledge from several fields like physics, chemistry, biology, geology, math, and computer science is essential.
Most importantly, do not be afraid of not being the "perfect" candidate. Human beings are made up of a myriad of experiences and stories, which makes owning who you are and what you bring to the table most valuable in a team setting.
