 What is your current job and what does it entail?
I am an assistant scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. I work in the Deep Submergence Laboratory, which was founded by Robert Ballard, the scientist best known for finding the Titanic. I work with underwater robots, specifically using underwater robots to do imaging. I often go out to sea with my robots to map out ancient shipwrecks, hydrothermal vent structures, and other oceanographic phenomena of interest.
What was the key factor in your career decision?
The amount of fun I can have while making a difference to the quality of life for everyone on this planet. I go to sea with my robots and use them to do work that makes a difference in our understanding of the oceans and ultimately our planet. It's extremely satisfying.
What do like most about your career?
I have the freedom to do exactly what I want. Nobody can tell me what to do. I choose to work on matters that I deem interesting. I also think teaching and working with students is immensely satisfying and fun.
What do you like least about your career?
The freedom I have is based on my ability to convince funding organizations that what I am doing is relevant and important to society. This job is not easy and I have to write a lot of proposals so that I can keep my own research (and that of my engineers and students) funded.
What do you do to relax?
I windsurf, I write, and I run. Windsurfing is a good way of understanding the interactions at the water-sea interface. I write fiction as well as articles about my expeditions and research. I run to keep fit and because it helps me focus my thoughts. I ran the Boston Marathon in 1994 and one of these years plan on completing a marathon in under three hours.
Who are your heroes/heroines?
Leonardo da Vinci for the breadth of his genius and Mahatma Gandhi for showing the world the path of non-violence.
What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?
Study hard with an emphasis on the fundamentals associated with the physical and mathematical sciences.
Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?
They have remained roughly constant over the last five years. With 70 percent of the planet covered with water and with our growing understanding of the role of the oceans in governing climate, our field will definitely maintain its importance.
What will you be doing 10 years from today?
Having even more fun! I hope that my students will be distinguished scientists, engineers, and professors all working together in related fields. Our work will provide a crucial insight into important questions such as those to do with global warming as well as insight into engineering questions on autonomous behavior and systems.
Salary:$60,000 - $80,000
Email:hanu@whoi.edu
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