Reflections on the wonder of the oceans

Across the many departments, labs, and teams that make up the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, there are scholars and staff who share a deep curiosity about the oceans. 

In honor of World Oceans Day on June 8, the United Nations highlighted how the “ocean’s wonder is what draws us in and often drives our desire to protect it.” Later this week, Stanford scholars will join ocean leaders in France at the third U.N. Ocean Conference to discuss goals for conserving and sustainably using the ocean.

We spoke with staff and scholars across the Doerr School of Sustainability who have made a career out of working on the water or studying the sea to understand what draws them in and drives their curiosity. From the ancient practices of fishing to migratory species, hear what our school community has to say about the wonders of the ocean.

Learning with fishing communities

I’m driven by a curiosity about how people and the ocean shape each other over time. In my research, I collaborate with fishing communities to understand the shifting dynamics of their fisheries. The sea holds both mystery and memory, and I believe learning with those who deeply understand and depend on the ocean can reveal pathways to sustainability and social-ecological resilience in a world transformed by climate change and other human impacts. – Daviana Berkowitz-Sklar, PhD student, Oceans Department 

The resilience of small-scale fishers 

My sense of wonder for the ocean is in relation to the people whose livelihoods depend on it. I used to live in Italy, a country with a long coastline, where I was surprised to find 2,000-year-old mosaics that depict small-scale artisanal fishing. It’s awe-inspiring that this method of food production still exists, and it proves the resilience of this sector. Despite being increasingly marginalized, small-scale fishers have innovated and endured for millennia. – Nicole Franz, Research Scholar, Center for Ocean Solutions

Traversing ocean basins

Roughly 70% of our planet is covered by oceans, yet we’ve only just begun to discover a small fraction of it. It amazes me the capabilities that marine species like loggerhead sea turtles and Magellanic penguins exhibit, traversing ocean basins at scales I’m only beginning to wrap my mind around. The awe and excitement that stems from seeing organisms thrive in their natural environment is a feeling that wakes me up every day, prepared to continue my research and learn something new. – Sydney Hampton, PhD student, Oceans Department

Exploring otherworldly seascapes 

Every time I go exploring the ocean, the wonder of seeing incredible otherworldly seascapes formed over many millennia never gets old, and their enduring resilience through time never ceases to amaze. Also, I love being able to move in three dimensions underwater. I feel I am home, and it's just like being in space! – Shaili Johri, Research Scientist, Oceans Department

Ever-changing environments

My research focuses on fluid flows through dynamic coastal ecosystems, such as kelp forests. I continue to wonder and aim to understand how these environments will evolve. I hope to determine how we can take steps toward helping these vital habitats move toward resilience and health in our ever-changing world. – Tanner Shinkle, PhD student, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Vast marine biodiversity 

I am always amazed and inspired by the vast amount of biodiversity in the ocean. Every time I go scuba diving in the kelp forest, I encounter fish, invertebrates, and algae that I haven’t seen before. For example, there are over 450 species of marine algae in Monterey Bay alone! I’m excited to continue studying and teaching students about the immense diversity of marine life in the ocean.
– Brooke Weigel, Assistant Professor of Oceans