Marine Science | Remote Sensing | ExplorationExploring marine ecosystems through remote sensing and spatial analysis
My research interests focus on understanding marine ecosystems at scales that are often missed by traditional field-based approaches. I’m particularly interested in how remote sensing and GIS can be used to study coral reef systems in new ways, revealing spatial patterns and ecosystem dynamics that are difficult to capture through in-water surveys alone.During my undergraduate work, I completed an honors thesis examining spatial change in coral reef ecosystems using hyperspectral imagery. Through this project, I worked with geospatial data and spatial analysis tools to explore how reefs change across space and time, and how remote sensing can be used to better characterize benthic environments. This experience shaped my interest in ecosystem-scale reef mapping and in moving beyond small, site-specific monitoring toward a more complete picture of reef systems.As part of a 2025 paper published in Nature Communications, I worked with large public datasets to support original calculations of baleen whale–mediated nutrient and biomass transport, using equations developed by our team and described in the paper’s methods. I was closely involved in organizing results and translating quantitative outputs into clear figures and visualizations, helping make complex, ecosystem-scale processes more interpretable.More broadly, I’m motivated by research that blends exploration, applied technology, and discovery. I’m drawn to projects that use imaging, mapping, and remote sensing to document areas of the ocean that remain poorly understood.
I began diving at a young age; exploring coral reefs firsthand is what first exposed me to coral bleaching and ecosystem decline. Watching coral health decline in real time made it clear that the ecosystems I loved were at risk, particularly the coral communities that form the structural foundation of reef systems. I have pursued reef research ever since, driven by a desire to understand how these complex communities function and why they break down. I am drawn to the layered structure of reef ecosystems, where small biological interactions scale into system-wide patterns.As I became more involved in coral research and began collecting data through diving, I started to see the limits of in situ surveys. Time, depth, and visibility constrain what can be observed, and even careful fieldwork captures only a fraction of the system. I became increasingly interested in what exists beyond the scale of a single dive.That shift led me toward GIS, remote sensing, and spatial analysis. I am drawn to examining reef ecosystems at scale, identifying patterns across regions rather than isolated sampling sites. Looking at the big picture reveals processes that are often missed or harder to see through diver-collected observations.Blending scientific work with exploration and adventure, including thru-hiking, climbing, sailing, diving, skiing, and mountaineering, has built resilience and sustained curiosity that shape how I approach research. Extended time in dynamic environments reinforces careful observation and a commitment to truly understanding the places we inhabit. Exploration and research are not separate pursuits; both reflect a desire to know this planet more completely.My work centers on reef ecosystems but extends to ocean exploration more broadly. I am motivated not only by advancing scientific understanding, but by communicating it clearly and responsibly. Combining field experience with spatial and quantitative analysis allows me to examine marine systems across space and through change over time, and to translate those findings into work that strengthens public understanding and conservation impact.
River City Aquatics
As a Saltwater Aquarium Specialist at River City Aquatics, I have built skills in animal husbandry and in communicating scientific processes to hobbyists, while gaining hands-on experience managing controlled saltwater systems. By working directly with customers to troubleshoot issues such as coral stress and nutrient imbalances, I have learned to translate scientific principles into practical, accessible solutions rather than academic language. I have also strengthened my skills in fish and coral identification while deepening my understanding of species behavior, interactions, and marine community dynamics.Blue Ocean Mariculture
Blue Ocean Mariculture is the only open-ocean mariculture farm in the United States, pioneering sustainable seafood production through offshore aquaculture and farm-raised fish initiatives. At BOM, I worked as part of the offshore team as a farm hand and diver, supporting fish health through feeding, sampling, parasite checks, and harvesting.I performed daily operations across seven offshore sites, including cage inspection and repair, parasite treatment, feed observation, and mortality collection. Working year-round in a dynamic offshore environment strengthened my confidence underwater in varying weather conditions. Open-ocean operations required maintaining focus and efficiency in the presence of megafauna and predator interactions, prioritizing safety while minimizing disruption to surrounding species. Through this position, I developed strong diving competency in challenging underwater settings and gained hands-on experience with boat operation, mechanical systems, heavy equipment operation, and ROV maintenance and piloting.University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Lab
At the University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Lab, I performed geospatial analysis in ArcGIS to support ongoing client projects focused on impervious surface and tree canopy cover datasets. My work involved manually reviewing and correcting feature class polygons, refining classification errors, and modifying coworker datasets to ensure spatial accuracy and consistency.
Using satellite imagery and aerial photography, I helped produce and update maps of impervious surface and canopy cover metrics for governmental agencies, nonprofits, and consulting firms. This role was my first exposure to GIS in a professional environment and strengthened my confidence working with ArcGIS while managing large spatial datasets with attention to detail and data integrity.
Pacific Crest Trail
In 2025, I completed the 2,655-mile Pacific Crest Trail as a solo hiker, beginning at the U.S.–Mexico border and finishing 169 days later in Canada. I started the trail hoping to “find home within myself” and become more comfortable spending time alone. Living outside for nearly six months changed how I think about independence, discomfort, resiliency, and decision-making. The trail taught me not to make permanent decisions on temporary emotions (never quit on a bad day), to keep moving through uncertainty, and to slow down long enough to appreciate the landscapes I was traveling through. Along that trail I discovered free will and what it meant to chase the life I want to live instead of the path I felt like I needed to follow. I finished under the trail name “Critter,” listed among the official 2025 finishers.Diving
I began scuba diving at 11 years old, earning my certification in a murky lake in central Texas. Diving introduced me to coral reefs and ultimately shaped the direction of my scientific work. I am now an AAUS Scientific Diver and PADI Rescue Diver with over 300 dives, including experience in both scientific and commercial diving environments. Extended time underwater has cultivated precision, learning through observation, and a heightened awareness of ecological detail. It remains one of the most formative ways I engage with the ocean.Sailing
In 2023, I crossed the Atlantic Ocean aboard the 112-foot schooner Argo as part of the Sea|mester program. It was the first time I had been far enough from land that no shoreline was visible. I quickly fell in love with the narrowed worldview that accompanies open-ocean voyages, where nothing exists aside from the ship beneath you and the horizon ahead. The passage reshaped my sense of scale and introduced me to what it means to operate in vast and dynamic environments. I hold IYT certifications as International Competent Crew, Navigation Master, and VHF Operator, and have logged around 5,700 nautical miles. Sailing taught me self-reliance, adaptability, sustained situational awareness, and respect for environments that do not bend to you.Climbing
I began climbing competitively at 12 in Portland, Oregon. I made the U.S. Team four times and competed at the Pan American and World Championship levels. In 2022, I was the Collegiate National Champion in speed climbing. During my undergraduate years, I also served as coach of the University of Vermont Climbing Team. Although I have stepped away from competition, climbing remains one of the most important aspects of my life. I spend much of my time in the gym and outdoors, bouldering and leading whenever I can. Climbing continues to shape how I move through the world; it emphasizes incremental progress, adaptive problem solving, and comfort with failure.
For more information or to contact me by email follow the links below!
emmawetsel@gmail.com