How Dr. Jessica Sandoval Develops Affordable Deep Sea Technology

Less than 0.002% of the deep ocean has been explored. Diving miles beneath the waves usually requires access to specialized and scarce technology, time on one of a handful of large research ships, and the funds to afford it all.

In this episode of Ocean, Kate Wing opens a conversation with scientist Dr. Jessica Sandoval about her work with underwater robotics and how low-cost sensors can give everyone a view of the ocean’s depths.

Jessica is the director of sensors and systems with the Ocean Discovery League, a nonprofit that puts deep sea technology into the hands of coastal communities around the world They’ve co-designed platforms like the Maka Niu, which can carry a mix of off-the-shelf imaging and ocean monitoring sensors 4500 feet deep. The resulting data can inform local environmental decision-making and power AI to map global ocean biodiversity..

A Robotics Engineer and pilot of Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs),

Jessica has a unique perspective on the deepest parts of our ocean planet. Tune in to hear more about becoming an ocean explorer along with some Jessica’s favorite sights, from hydrothermal vents to the life encompassing the USS Independence shipwreck. Host Kate Wing and Jessica talk about the delicate work of using robotics to examine sea life and how ocean creatures themselves often provide the solutions to technical challenges.

Tune into Ocean and subscribe to our Better Worlds YouTube Channel to see all of our shows, from Ocean to Green Planet Blue Planet with Julian Guderley, to Restore-a-thon™ where we explore solutions for restoring the environment in the aftermath of environmental disasters, such as the recent Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Hit the “bell” button to be notified of new episodes.