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Scientist Spotlight:
Scientist Spotlight:
Lacey Bowman
Lacey Bowman
Hometown: Dutchtown, LA
College: University of West Florida
Graduate school: University of West Florida
Current position: Lab Technician, Dauphin Island Sea Lab (Alabama)
The following information has been adapted from an interview between Kiley and Lacey.
Q: What type of scientist do you consider yourself?
A: Probably a biogeochemist with more of a focus on the bio and chemistry part.
Q: What does a typical day at your job look like?
A: I usually arrive at the lab around 8:00 or 9:00 AM and unlock everything. I do quite a bit of maintenance on lab equipment, as well as cleaning and organizing supplies. I conduct our weekly safety tests since our lab works with radiation. I also assist people on their projects and help train graduate students and postdocs who are new to the lab.
Unless we are working on a special project, I never have to come in too early or stay too late.
Q: How did you know you wanted to pursue a science education and career?
A: Growing up near Baton Rouge, we weren't very close to the ocean. It was mostly bayous and the Mississippi River. My mom encouraged us to do lots of outdoor activity and we would often visit the New Orleans Aquarium. Those childhood experiences interested me a lot and fostered a sense of curiosity in me.
Q: What is your role on this cruise?
A: I am in charge of measuring the dissolved silica from our seawater samples and grow out experiments. The concentration of silica will allow us to see how much is being used up by diatoms in the water column.
Q: You aren't at the University of Rhode Island like the other scientists aboard. How did you get to be a part of this cruise?
A: My mentor at my current position, Jeff, used to work under Becky Robinson's (chief scientist on the NBP) collaborator, Mark, at the University of California Santa Barbara. Mark and Jeff were talking about this cruise and the Mark mentioned needing an alternate who could jump in if another scientist wasn't able to go. Jeff knew I was well-versed in measuring dissolved silica and asked if I wanted to be an alternate. I said yes and now here I am!
That just goes to show that connections and networking are very important in science as in other fields.
Q: What is something you love about your job?
A: I really love teaching people about different lab methods and techniques. It's fun to see someone understand something that you've taught them.
The paperwork and administrative side of my job is not my favorite. I love more of the hands-on stuff and being able to answer questions.
Q: What are some notable experience you have had aboard the Nathaniel B. Palmer so far?
A: I love looking out from the ice tower and seeing ice floes and icebergs. No one else is out there, and it puts into perspective how large the world really is. I am also really enjoying connecting with everyone and learning more about each person that is part of this cruise.
Dauphin Island Sea Lab in Dauphin Island, AL where Lacey works as a lab technician.
Q: What do you like to when you are not at work?
A: Oh, I love to craft. I am really into embroidery right now. Another one of my really big hobbies is sailing. I have a side job as a sailing instructor in Pensacola.
Links to Lacey's work and more:
Links to Lacey's work and more:
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