UH Hilo marine science alum Diego Johansen interns on research vessel mapping seafloor in the Central Pacific
Alumnus Diego Johansen is serving as a seafloor mapping intern on a research expedition to the Howland and Baker Islands in the Central Pacific.
By Susan Enright/UH Hilo Stories.
A recent marine science graduate is currently interning on a seafloor mapping expedition aboard the 68-meter exploration vessel Nautilus.
Diego Johansen, who graduated in May from the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo with a bachelor of science in marine science, is employed as a water quality buoy technician with the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System where he assists with the deploying, cleaning, and repairing water quality monitoring buoys around Hawaiʻi Island.
But from August 20 to September 10, Johnasen is serving as a seafloor mapping intern on the E/V Nautilus expedition, Seafloor Mapping Offshore Howland and Baker Islands, in an area located between Hawaiʻi and New Zealand. He was chosen to be part of the intern team among 100s of applicants for the limited number of positions.
The vessel is run by the Ocean Exploration Trust, a nonprofit that conducts oceanic expeditions focused on scientific exploration of the seafloor, collaborates with the broader research community to identify priority regions and phenomena, and shares the expeditions in real time with the public and researchers around the world.
“I first heard about the E/V Nautilus years ago while watching their deep-sea live cam footage, captivated by the mysteries of the ocean depths,” says Johansen. “Looking ahead, my goal is to focus on deep-sea research, working to safeguard some of the most fragile and least understood ecosystems on the planet.”
The 22-day expedition will use the deep-water mapping capabilities of the E/V Nautilus to map previously unsurveyed seafloor in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone around Howland and Baker, as well as other unmapped areas along the transit route between the Marshall Islands and the Cook Islands. In addition to continuous seafloor mapping operations, the expedition also will include daytime seabird surveys from the observation deck of the vessel.
“Science is the foundation of effective environmental advocacy”
Johansen says he has an endless love for scuba diving and exploring the underwater world.
“There’s nothing quite like encountering marine life in its natural habitat,” he says. “Swimming alongside sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins is both exhilarating and humbling, a reminder of the ocean’s vast beauty and mystery. My passion for the sea extends beyond diving; I also love being on boats, whether conducting research, sailing, or fishing.”
He says his journey into marine science began with environmental activism, where he was trained by Al Gore and The Climate Reality Project.
“I went on to organize large-scale sustainability events, lead local plastic reduction campaigns, and coordinate beach cleanups, working to drive tangible change in my community,” he says. “This work led me to Greenpeace USA, where I played a key role in campaigns to reduce plastic pollution, halt deep-sea mining, and advocate for the protection of 30 percent of the world’s oceans by 2030.”
It was through these experiences that he realized “science is the foundation of effective environmental advocacy,” and he was inspired to deepen his knowledge by pursuing a marine science degree at UH Hilo. He’s been working as a field technician with the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System since 2022 — a job that started during his undergraduate studies — merging marine science with technology.
“This role has further expanded my expertise in science communication, networking, and tech-driven conservation efforts, reinforcing my commitment to ocean protection,” he says.
Johansen’s advice to those wanting a career in ocean-related fields is to learn capabilities beyond just marine biology such as data analysis, geographic information systems (GIS) mapping, programming, calculus, chemistry, or policy which can make a person’s skillset “incredibly valuable.”
“Get hands-on experience by volunteering for beach cleanups, interning at aquariums, or join research expeditions,” he says. “Make sure you are networking and connecting with professionals already working in ocean conservation by attending conferences or joining local organizations. The rewards are extraordinary, as you get to work in beautiful places with passionate colleagues and can genuinely make a difference for our planet.”
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Story by Susan Enright, a public information specialist for the Office of the Chancellor and editor of UH Hilo Stories. She received her bachelor of arts in English and certificate in women’s studies from UH Hilo.
