Kendal Hobbs
Tell us about your work/research. What kinds of things do you do?
I am a marine geologist interested in what is happening on and beneath the sea floor. This fall I will start graduate school at the University of Rhode Island, where my research will focus on mapping and submarine volcanoes. We know so little about these remote and hard to reach places on our planet, and I am so excited to help fill in those gaps of knowledge.
What sparked your initial interest in your career?
During my time at college, I chose classes solely based on whether they had field trips because I love being out in nature. This led to me taking geology classes, but when I learned students in oceanography got to go out on a research vessel, I jumped ship to that major. Literally. I love how marine geology combines the theoretical side of understanding how our planet works with the hands-on experience of being out at sea. I don’t think I ever sat down and said, “I am going to be a marine geologist!” I just kept seeking out opportunities that sounded fun, and that is why I am pursuing a career in this field. I genuinely love learning about our planet, and if I am going to spend my life working, I want to have as much fun as possible doing it.
Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?
I am grateful to all my professors at Oregon State University who helped jumpstart my career in oceanography on such a strong foot. I need to give a special shout out to Dr. Maureen Walczak who was the first professor to believe in me enough to give me a job in her lab, which completely changed my direction in life. I remember being terrified when I started because I had no research experience, but she told me, “I don’t expect you to be an expert on Day 1. You are here to learn, and I am here to invest in your future.” She took a chance on me, and I hope I can pay that forward by using my experience for both research and mentoring those interested in Earth science.
What element of your work/study do you think is the most fascinating?
It is fascinating how much of our planet is unknown. With only 28% of the ocean mapped to modern standards, that means less than half of our planet is mapped. Imagine living in a house that you only know 50% of! I had the chance to make the first high-resolution map of a seamount in the Gulf of Alaska and name it after the research vessel I was sailing on. There is so much to explore on our own planet, and I want to be involved in unveiling the mysteries of the deep.
What other jobs led you to your current career?
My time in marine geology has been fast and furious. As an undergraduate at Oregon State, I persistently sought out opportunities to go to sea, accumulating 55 days at sea over multiple expeditions doing whatever I could. I have done everything from studying water quality, recording ROV dives at an active submarine volcano, and collecting 60ft piston cores. On the lab side, I collaborated on projects in radiocarbon preparation and geomagnetism. All these experiences have led me to pursue a graduate degree in marine geology to combine seagoing work with research.
What are your degrees and certifications?
Bachelor of Science in oceanography (Oregon State University)
SCUBA Advanced Open Water
What are your hobbies?
Outside of my research, I love to offset my cerebral work by boxing, running, and yoga. I also like to crochet, watercolor, sleep, and am currently learning how to hula hoop and play the ukulele. On this Nautilus cruise, I will be reading the Percy Jackson series when I get the chance.
What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?
Three years ago, I felt lost and had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, but today I am on the Nautilus plumbing the depths. Every person you see on Nautilus Live was once a person who felt unsure how to start. So go out and try, take opportunities, and don’t be afraid to fail. Everything you do is information about finding out what feels right for you, whether it is good or bad. You don’t need to know exactly where you are going 40 years from now. Give yourself one year to focus on something you think is fun or interesting, go all in on it, and see where it takes you.
