This week’s guest on the popular Facebook Livestream DIVETALKS, powered by Divesoft, is marine biologist, Dr. Sonia J. Rowley. Rowley has conducted deep-sea research all over the world, and has a unique diving background ranging from CCRs to freediving. Be sure to tune in this Thursday, June 11th at 1 p.m. EDT and have your questions ready! DIVETALKS and Sonia have the answers!
Working as a research biologist at the University of Hawaii, Dr. Rowley’s primary focus is the evolutionary relationships between the coral holobiont (the coral and it’s microbes) and its environment. She was awarded the Sir David Attenborough Award for Fieldwork for her gorgonian research on the reefs of Micronesia.
As these Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems tend to lie at depths of 40-150 meters, Sonia is an experienced diver who relies heavily on her gear. You can expect her to speak on the topic of rebreathers and their critical use in her research, in addition to submersibles, ROVs, and AUVs. Sonia has over 36 years’ diving experience and will be sharing with us her discoveries at deeper depths and how rebreathers in particular help her achieve her research objectives.
Out of the water, Dr. Rowley has given many presentations, believing that the most powerful tool for change is to share what she finds to help others to become aware of what needs to be protected in the marine environment. She has also served as a senior project supervisor and lecturer for graduate and undergraduate students. One of her most notable accomplishments, however, is having led and participated in research expeditions in over 25 countries.
There’s a lot to be covered on DIVETALKS airing this Thursday, June 11th at 1 p.m. EDT. Whether you’re interested in Sonia’s insights on rebreathers and other diving gear, her current research on gorgonian corals, or would like to hear more about her many dives around the world, this week’s episode has something for everyone particularly during World Ocean Week. Leave any queries you might have in the comment section and Dr. Rowley is sure to expound on your chosen topic. Follow the link HERE to find out more about the exciting world of underwater research biology!
