Name and Institution:
Joshua R. Williams
NSF-OCE Postdoctoral Fellow
Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Academic Background:
Ph.D. Oceanography, Texas A&M University
B.S. Geology, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Current Areas of Interest:

• Coastal Sediment Transport/Dynamics and Geochemical Processes
• Paleo-proxy Development of Natural/Climatic and Anthropogenic Impact Indicators
• Sediment Accumulation and Bioturbation Rates Derived from 210Pb, 137Cs, 239,240Pu, 234Th, 7Be, Chl-a
• High Resolution Seismic Stratigraphy, Bathymetry, and Side Scan Sonar

Why did you sign up for the CSW?

My interests for participation in the UNOLS Chief Scientist Training Cruise may be classified into two primary objectives. First, I would like to gain experience in planning for a multidiscipline research cruise, specifically regarding how to efficiently manage multiple investigator requirements for data collection, and the associated time/costs. Secondly, I hope to acquire a preliminary data set that may be used in conjunction with current collaborator data for publication, and/or provide crucial necessary information to be used in future proposals/efforts. Specifically regarding data collection experience, this cruise will allow me to participate in the collection of cores in deeper water (>300 m), a skill that would be extremely valuable to me for upcoming field work associated with my postdoctoral research project in Prince William Sound, Alaska. As a highly motivated early career scientist, I envision myself being the principal investigator and lead scientist on several future research cruises. I believe being involved with this program, specifically designed to foster the development of skills necessary to reach this goal will be an extremely valuable experience for me at such a pivotal point in my career.