Meet Sarah Merefield

Meet Sarah Merefield

What is your job title?

Research Assistant.

What do you study and why is it important?

Properties of oceans and current systems (but I’m actually a biologist).

What will you be doing on the voyage?

CTD watch person, taking water samples from the CTD and doing whatever else anyone wants me to do and I have time for. I enjoy learning about what others do and giving them a helping hand.

Wake up an hour or so before shift, check out what its doing outside and make sure I get a good breakfast in. Shift then varies on what is happening that day but when we are working on the CTD, watching it go down then back up and then taking water samples. After shift its usually relaxing time, either photography, socialising or relaxing with a good book.

Where were you educated?

University of Queensland and University of Tasmania.

How did you become interested in the ocean?

Well, I kind of just fell into it. Growing up in a coastal community, I have always been close to the sea and can not imagine life away from it. At uni, both UQ and UTAS have strong areas of marine science (albeit different zones) and I found I like it, so stuck with it.

Do you get seasick? And if so, any tips on how not to?

Yes, I get a little seasick; usually I take over the counter medication, a little ginger if I am feeling hippie-esque or just plain lying down and plenty of cool water.

What do you enjoy about your work?

The variety and that you are always learning new things from people. There are always new and different people around very willing to tell you about their occupation and hobbies.

How do you spend your spare time?

On the ship, I love to be up on the bridge or outside decks and take pictures of wildlife or scenery. I also like to hang out with fellow crew members, playing hacky sack or just watching movies. Spare time is also good for catching up on reading, both academic and for pleasure.

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