Chasing Science at Sea

“‘Going into the field is an exciting, challenging, and inspiring part of doing ocean science; it is also essential,’ writes Prager, currently chief scientist of the undersea research station Aquarius Reef Base. Using anecdotes from colleagues and from her own career, she succeeds in showing the reader that doing science can be both fun and thrilling, especially when it involves work in and on the ocean. She also reminds us that field research is important to doing good science and that learning more about the world’s oceans is essential to our future.”

"Prager, chief scientist of the world’s only undersea station, in Florida, presents a well-organized introduction to marine science enlivened by the story of her own personal path into the profession. Through dozens of anecdotes of wave scientists, marine geologists, tsunami researchers, underwater archaeologists, and many others, Prager casually reveals the vast number and variety of interests pursued in the sea. She speaks to one expert about tumor viruses affecting undersea creatures and another whose specialty is bioluminescence. Everyone has a story of discovery to share, and Prager’s ability to zero in on astonishing facts makes for an enormously appealing book. The heavy emphasis on fieldwork allows scientists to stress the more exciting aspects of the professions (from watching whale sharks feed to skirting the edges of a hurricane). As an unorthodox handbook for would-be ocean scientists, this title is invaluable. Pair it with William Sargent’s Writing Naturally (2006) to reveal the way to a personally fulfilling scientific career."