Creep into the Deep Scientists Bios: Jacqueline L. Padilla Gamiño

Creep into the Deep^™^{Virtual Research Mission to the Deep-Sea}

Deep Sea Explorer Bios: Jacqueline L. Padilla Gamiño

Photos used with permission of
J. Padilla Gamino.
All Rights Reserved

Hey Virtual Team Members,
I am excited for you to meet meet Jacqueline, or "Jackie" as her friends call her. Jackie’s love for the ocean and marine life has guided her toward a career in Oceanography and has inspired her to pursue graduate work in the field of coral biology. Jackie is currently pursuing a PhD in Oceanography at University of Hawaii; she is interested in how near-shore oceanographic mechanisms can affect physiology and reproductive biology of corals...read on...

Jackie, what is your favorite animal? The nudibranchs!! They are magic creatures to me. They have amazing colors and striking forms. They are not always easy to find, you have to look very carefully, I really enjoy when I am diving and I discover one, is a lot of fun!

What do you study in the deep? I study how photosynthetic organisms can live and reproduce in different environments. I am interested to know how corals and algae can survive in areas with very low temperatures and dark conditions throughout the year.

How did you get interested in the deep-sea? I grew up in Mexico and I experienced the ocean since I was very young. I always enjoyed going with my family and discovering new and beautiful creatures. The deep sea is fascinating to me because is not very well explored and is full of surprises.

What's your most amazing experience with an ocean animal or in the ocean? In the year 2006, I was able to experience a magnificent coral spawning event. It was incredible! We went snorkeling at night and we saw a lot of corals releasing their young. It was like seeing pink snow underwater but backwards because the eggs were floating to the water surface. Since then, I have been studying the coral spawning events in Hawaii.

What is the coolest animals you've seen in the deep-sea? This is going to be my first deep-sea mission, so I don’t have one yet. But I will let you know as soon as I discover it.

What are you hoping to learn/discover on this research cruise? I would like to learn how the deep sea photosynthetic organisms can adapt to their environment. Also, I am very interested in learning how algae and corals can reproduce in the deep sea and what are the similarities or differences with algae and corals that live in shallower environments.

What are two things do you do in your home to help the environment? I always recycle and try to use my bike or walk as much as I can (instead of using the car).

Wow, just think, just a few years ago, Jackie was in the same grade as you...is there anything you've experienced, a favorite place you've visited, or hobby that might inspire your career? Share it with us!
Jake, the SeaDog

Special thanks to:

Back to Deep-sea scientist Bios

Find out more about Creep into the Deep

Back to WhaleTimes SeaBed HomePage

GO TO KID'S PAGE

WhaleTimes, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation. Find out how to support WhaleTimes education programs.

About WhaleTimes

Hit Counter