I am currently a master’s student in the Marine Science master’s program at University of South Carolina. My research focuses on remote sensing techniques for mapping the ocean seabed and analyzing the physical properties of water bodies by utilizing autonomous vehicles. The scope of my research is to apply those techniques in an estuarine environment and understand how geological features such as subaqueous sand dunes are formed and how they change over a tidal day. Estuaries can support a variety of life and are considered highly productive ecosystems. Hence, understanding the dynamics that govern these environments would enable me to meaningfully contribute towards strengthening the management of estuaries to support ecological and social balance.                   

My intrinsic curiosity about natural ecosystems inspired my first academic steps in the world of geology. I graduated from the Geology and Geoenvironment program of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA), Greece. During my studies and after my graduation, I was working in a geology consulting firm based in Athens with the intent to translate my academic knowledge into real-world application of geosciences. I developed a strong passion for the marine ecosystems through my involvement in various assignments across the world and collaborations with leading industry experts and scientists. This experience led me to apply for a master’s degree in marine science.                

While I was applying for a master’s degree, I was looking for a university, which encourages and supports the efforts of graduate students to positively participate and evolve in the scientific community, by equipping them with various facets of skills and promoting academic excellence. Following my  interviews with my current advisors, Dr. Voulgaris and Dr. White, I was convinced that the interdisciplinary program of studies of the School of Earth, Ocean, and Environment at University of South Carolina, is the academic environment I was looking for and in which I would be able to expand my educational horizons in the field of marine science and fulfill my career aspirations of becoming a marine scientist equipped with the scientific knowledge and skill sets that the program and the faculty have to offer.

After graduating from the University of South Carolina, I would like to pursue a career in the industry working as a marine scientist that would provide environmentally and socially positive solutions for the revitalization and protection of our oceans. A dream of mine is to be part of is the global effort to map in high resolution the entire planet’s seabed by utilizing cutting edge technology like remote sensing with autonomous surface and underwater vehicles. These fascinating initiatives expand our current knowledge of the earth and deepen our comprehension of key natural processes that could be proven useful in saving our oceans, and with them our ecosystems at large.