Laura Gilfert

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

I am an Oceanography major at the United States Naval Academy. I have not done any work other than classroom labs. I have taken the following classes in relation to oceanography: Descriptive Physical Oceanography, Statistics for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Introduction to Meteorology, Biogeochemical Oceanography, Atmospheric Thermodynamics, Oceanographic and Meteorological Quantitative Methods, Geological Oceanography, and Ocean and Atmospheric Processes. All of these classes had labs with focus on the Severn River in Annapolis, MD. I also have experience in MATLAB. Following the Academy, I will graduate as an Ensign in the United States Navy. My goal is to be a Navy Pilot.
 

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I came to the Naval Academy because I wanted to learn, fly, and be a leader, I wanted a challenge. The more research I did, the more I wanted to attend the Academy. Being here is not quite what I expected, its a lot better. The opportunities this institution has given me thus far have helped me understand what my goals truly are. Though I came here wanting to be a leader and a pilot, I learned that its not so much the outcome but the journey. When it came time to pick my major, I chose what I was most interested in. I picked oceanography because I thought it would be fun to learn and something that I could apply in my career. After taking my first oceanography class, I realized it was the right decision. Going forward, I hope to do research of my own and to use what I learned in my career.
 

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My family has supported me since day one. My dad retired from the Navy as a Senior Chief and is a big inspiration for me to be successful in my career. Also, the people that I have met at the Academy as well as my mentors challenge me every day to improve and to be a better person.
 

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

The most fascinating part of my major is the scope of opportunities it opens and how much I can learn from those opportunities.
 

How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?

I applied for the internship from the Academy. I am very excited to be a part of the expedition team!
 

What other jobs led you to your current career?

I have done some acting and modeling growing up. I have also had a few jobs while attending high school. Though I have not had any jobs while being at the Academy, I was on the Naval Academy Offshore Sailing team. There, I raced in the Annapolis to Newport Race, Block Island Race Week, New York Annual Race Week, Southern Bay Race Week, as well as additional races. While on the boat, I was the Navigator as well as many other positions. I love trying new things and learning new skills. I have had a lot of trainings to improve my professional career but this internship my first opportunity to extend my knowledge in my major.
 

What are your degrees and certifications?

I will graduate in 2027 with a Bachelor of Science in Oceanography -- United States Naval Academy.
 

What are your hobbies?

I love being outside and going to the beach. I like to sail, surf, play water polo, and hang out with my friends. I also like to cook.  
 

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

The advice I would give is to have an open mind, know what your goals are, and work hard to achieve them. It is important to enjoy the journey and meet new people along the way. It is important to work well with others and that they can trust you. I would also encourage others to constantly learn. If you ask something of someone, you should be able to do it yourself and if you cant, learn how to do the task alongside them.