Local NASA Educator Selected to Explore the Ocean Aboard Dr. Robert Ballard’s ‘Nautilus’

Brandon Rodriguez, a Staff Member at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Chosen as Lead Science Communication Fellow for Ocean Exploration Trust’s 2024 Expedition

Brandon Rodriguez, a staff member at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, has been chosen as a Lead Science Communication Fellow for Ocean Exploration Trust’s 2024 expedition aboard Dr. Robert Ballard’s Exploration Vessel Nautilus.

The expedition, which launches in June, will focus on supporting Ocean Networks Canada’s cabled observatory NEPTUNE (Northeast Pacific Undersea Networked Experiments) off the west coast of British Columbia. Over a 21-day period, the Exploration Vessel Nautilus will deploy, recover, and maintain seafloor instruments using remotely operated vehicles and conduct extensive seafloor mapping exploration, a statement from Ocean Exploration Trust said.

Rodriguez’s selection highlights Pasadena’s connection to cutting-edge scientific endeavors and showcases the city’s role in fostering exploration and innovation. As a Lead Science Communication Fellow for the project, Rodriguez will join a diverse cohort of educators and scientists from around the world.

“I’m so excited to be back at sea with the Nautilus for an opportunity to explore oceans here on Earth and extend the way we use technology for exploration on our planet toward how we’ll explore alien worlds like Europa in the future,” Rodriguez said. “These programs not only inspire me, but let me bring cutting-edge science back to the students and teachers we support at NASA Education.”

Rodriguez was born in Venezuela and immigrated to the U.S. with his family when he was 12 years old. He has a Master’s degree in Education and Bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry and Philosophy. At Jet Propulsion Laboratory, he works as a STEM education specialist providing resources and training to K-12 schools across California.

During the expedition, Rodriguez will engage with learners across Southern California through live broadcasts on NautilusLive.org, a 24-hour live-streaming platform that connects explorers on the ship with audiences on shore.

Through social media and telepresence technology, Rodriguez will provide live commentary during dives and participate in interactive Q&A sessions.

Megan Cook, Ocean Exploration Trust’s Director of Education and Outreach, said Science Communication Fellows, such as Rodriguez, are important in inspiring future generations of explorers.

“Science Communication Fellows work alongside scientists and engineers and help to convey the excitement of the ocean exploration experience across the NautilusLive live stream, social media, and outreach directly with classrooms,” Cook said. “We are proud to elevate role models for learners, focusing on reaching communities historically marginalized from science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and ocean fields.”

The Ocean Exploration Trust said its Science Communication Fellowship program aims to bridge the gap between ocean exploration and education, encouraging educators to incorporate real-world exploration experiences into classroom curricula and community outreach events.

“We are very excited to provide educators with direct experience in ocean exploration while allowing them the opportunity to share that experience with their peers around the world,” Allison Fundis, Ocean Exploration Trust’s Chief Operating Officer, said.

The 2024 Exploration Vessel Nautilus expeditions are co-sponsored by NOAA Ocean Exploration and other partners.

For more information, visit www.oceanexplorationtrust.org.