More from Episode 105:

Seismologist Matt Fouch

Space Researchers Phil Christensen and Mark Robinson

EARTH AND SPACE EXPLORATION

Oceanographers Hilairy Hartnett and Deirdre Meldrum

In an effort to expand the knowledge of the ocean realm, Hartnett, Ph.D., has moved her research “upstream” to study the nature of organic material in our own aquatic systems. From the Verde River — part of the drinking water supply of metropolitan Phoenix — to Tempe Town Lake, Harnett’s research will help better understand a vital part of the Earth’s ecosystems. ASU Spotlight follows Harnet and her team as they collect daily samples to measure levels of carbon and other elements.

Meldrum, Ph.D., dean of the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, is collaborating with the School of Earth and Space Exploration on the Neptune project. The cabled underwater observator, a joint venture between the U.S. and Canada, will eventually deploy thousands of sensors on the sea floor. Scientists, educators and engineers will be able to study data from a variety of ocean processes, literally at their desktop.