Dawn Wright

Early in my career, I was fortunate to be involved in several important explorations of the fast-spreading East Pacific Rise. This included providing data management and mapping support for the discovery of the Tubeworm Barbecue, which in 1991 represented the closest that any scientific team had actually come to witnessing a deep-sea volcanic eruption. My subsequent doctoral thesis contributed new insights into how deep-sea hot spring communities are affected by undersea eruptions, and it pioneered new analytical techniques for mapping these areas.

In 1991, it was a great thrill to make my first dive in Woods Hole’s DSV Alvin. As we descended through the translucent blue of the euphotic zone into complete darkness, we were treated to an underwater fireworks show as bioluminescent siphonophores danced and crashed into each other. Upon reaching the ocean floor, my excitement hit a crescendo as the pilot suddenly turned on Alvin’s lights to reveal an alien volcanic landscape that was so still it seemed we could just exit the sub and walk around.

In my professional career, I have experienced that scientists of color continue to live and struggle on a daily basis with a spectrum of challenges ranging from unconscious bias to overt racism. I worked not just at 100%, but 110%, 120%, or 150%, in part to debunk the questioning of skeptical colleagues. But, I’ve found that when you display integrity and excellence, and give yourself an opportunity to just sit down with people, we can all find a way to relate, regardless of background.