Kyle Aaron

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

My research background involves applying ocean engineering to marine ecology and biological oceanography. In my current position, I help plan and carry out projects that use oceanographic research instruments such as underwater acoustic recorders, gliders, autonomous surface vessels, and ROVs. I do engineering and technician work to help mobilize equipment for scientific projects and am involved in everything from mission planning to at-sea operations, and sometimes data analysis or reporting. 

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I grew up really loving science, technology, and marine life. I loved visiting and learning about the ocean on trips with my family to Hawai'i or the Georgia Aquarium. The ocean was always something I wanted to spend more time exploring. Growing up, I would tell people I wanted to be a marine biologist, but it wasn't until I talked to someone in the field that I understood what the career entailed. I decided to pursue a broad STEM background in college and studied marine science for my masters. It was through the varied coursework that I learned how an interdisciplinary understanding of science can be beneficial in the realm of oceanography and marine biology. 

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My parents always encouraged me to pursue a career in marine science because they could see that it really excited me. They helped spark my initial interest in it by taking me to cool places as a kid, and they inspired & supported me along the way. When it came to educational influence, I had several teachers in high school and college who encouraged me to pursue marine science, and my professors throughout college & graduate school helped hone my interests and skills.

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

I love getting to apply engineering problem solving skills to ocean exploration and ecological research, and I love getting to see images, samples, or interesting data collected by instruments I have worked with. When I was in graduate school, I worked with a towed zooplankton imaging system, and my favorite part was seeing images of large, interesting zooplantkon such as mantis shrimp or larval fish. I have also really enjoyed working with and piloting unmanned systems and working with acoustic sensors for detecting marine mammals. I really enjoy going to sea to deploy instruments on amazing vessels made to explore the ocean so we can better understand and protect our world. 

How did you get involved with the Ocean Exploration Trust?

I spent some time after graduate school working at the University of Rhode Island in several oceanographic research labs, one of which was Chris Roman’s, which developed and operates the Deep Autonomous Profiler (DAP). I helped update the DAP and went on two expeditions aboard the E/V Nautilus to deploy it. 

What other jobs led you to your current career?

I was a graduate student at the University of Georgia's Skidaway Institute of Oceanography where I studied zooplankton ecology using a towed imaging system. I gained a lot of experience applying my undergraduate education to the realm of marine science by analyzing scientific data, writing research papers, and getting experience at sea aboard research cruises. I then worked at the University of Rhode Island as a marine development engineer, where I helped update, test, and deploy equipment for ocean science. I now work at JASCO Applied Sciences, which specializes in underwater acoustics systems. 

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelors of Science in Physics - University of North Georgia 2019

Bachelors of Biological Engineering, Minor in Ecology - University of Georgia 2019  
Master of Science in Marine Science - University of Georgia 2022

Graduate Certificate in Oceanographic Engineering - University of Georgia 2022
BOSIET-Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training
Part 107 UAS Pilot
Wilderness First Aid
Open water diver-specialty diver-SSI
Certified Rigger 
 

What are your hobbies?

I love spending time outside, particularly on the water or in the mountains. I enjoy sailing, skiing, hiking, and camping. I like watching movies and having game nights with friends. I am also really involved in my church!

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

If you are interested in oceanography or marine biology, I would suggest developing a broad understanding of science and how it applies to the ocean. It would also be valuable to learn skills that are commonly used to study marine science, such as computer and programming skills, data analysis using different software, and seamanship/boating. Reach out to people who do research you might be interested in, and ask if you can talk to them about what skills are useful to develop in their area of expertise. Be patient, don't be afraid to ask questions, and reach out to people for guidance.