Meet Lisa Northcote

Meet Lisa Northcote

What is your job title?

Lab technician for the Marine Geology Group

What do you study and why is it important?

I have been working on modern foraminiferal taxonomy and assemblage characterization and am currently analysing fauna from Hawke Bay, Chatham Rise. Foraminifera have specific temperature, salinity and food preferences and are useful in determining past environmental changes in subtropical and subantarctic waters.

What will you be doing on the Rumble III voyage?

Operating the Mocness and filtering seawater for a variety analyses

Where were you educated?

A number of places:
Simon Fraser University, British Columbia,
Rockland College, New York,
Ramapo College New Jersey,
and last but not least Victoria University of Wellington.

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

Yes, though I’ve found that my tolerance has improved over the years. It seems the more sea trips I have, the less sick I am. I take Sea Legs at the start and then don’t take anything

How did you become interested in the ocean?

We lived in Christchurch while my husband was doing his Post doctoral work on Natural Product Chemistry of marine sponges at Canterbury University 1989-1991, I used to go on their collecting trips Fiordland, Otago Penninsula and Kaikoura. I really enjoy working out in the field, so it stimulated me to finish my degree and work in marine-based science.

What do you enjoy about your work?

The people, working in the fresh air, seeing new things, being challenged and learning something new. Having variety in the things I do makes my job more enjoyable

What are some of the challenges you face?

I suppose it would be the same for most people, but the hardest thing about going to sea can be working long hours day after day for several weeks. If the people on board get along well and have fun, then it’s not so challenging.

How do you spend your spare time?

On dry land I like spending time with my husband and friends as well as cooking, gardening and going for long walks. At sea it is the more sedentary reading, playing scrabble, and watching videos