Chris German

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

 I am a research scientist interested in hot springs on Earth's ocean floor and how that work can guide our search for life on Ocean Worlds beyond Earth.

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

 I love volcanos but have no head for heights: in this career I can study volcanoes and hot springs while staying at (or below!) sea-level.

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

 Two Professors at Undergraduate Level: Steve Sparks (volcanology) and Harry Elderfield (Oceanography)

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

 Discovering new things that nobody previously realized existed on Earth. Even after 30 years that never gets hold, nor ceases to be humbling.

What are your degrees and certifications?

I received a BA in Natural Sciences (Chemistry and Earth Sciences) from the University of Cambridge, UK in 1984 and a PhD in Marine Geochemistry, also from the University of Cambridge in 1988. I came to MIT and WHOI as a post-doctoral researcher as soon as I completed my PhD, then went back to my native UK as a government scientist for around 15 years, then moved back to WHOI in the US nearly 20 years ago. In 2007, I was recognized with a further ScD degree from the same University in recognition of his "lifetime" scientific achievements.

What are your hobbies?

Most of my free time is taken up playing with our two rescue dogs when I am home. I also play bass guitar pretty badly. 

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

Don't plan what your career will actually BE (I never could have predicted how mine has turned out) but DO make sure at any key decision point that what you do next is something that you are truly going to enjoy. You are going to be working for most of your life so better to be enjoying what you are doing all day, every day, if you can rather than just waiting for your weekends / vacations / retirement.