Rachel Obbard

Rachel Obbard

I’m an engineer (materials) with a strong interest in earth sciences. My background is BSc-Colorado School of Mines, MSc-University of New Hampshire, PhD-Dartmouth College. I worked in industry (computing) for about ten years before I went to graduate school, and since then I’ve worked primarily with sea ice. As a materials scientist, I’m interested in its structure on the microscopic scale, which determines its bulk properties. I’m fortunate to have at my disposal at Dartmouth all of the key characterization equipment. Using X-ray micro-computed tomography (similar to a CAT scan), I’ve been studying the topology (3D geometry) of the brine network in sea ice, something that plays an important part in its role as an interface between air and ocean.

I applied for a spot on this cruise because of its focus on the use of autonomous or remotely operated underwater vehicles. I plan to examine the structure of the underside of sea ice, so I wanted to use a variety of instruments to get some practical experience with them and a good understanding of their relative merits. This cruise has given me both. I’ve been to both the Arctic and Antarctic, but probably my most unusual experience is helicopter underwater escape training with the RAF in England, which I took when I worked for the British Antarctic Survey. I’m happy to report that I haven’t needed that skill set on this cruise.