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WHOI technician Emily Peacock operates the seagoing Imaging FlowCytobot, an underwater microscope developed by WHOI scientists that took images of microscopic plant and animal life in polar waters (see slideshow below). The instrument collects a wealth of data on what species are living where and when. To get seawater samples of phytoplankton directly out of the ocean (without having them first pass through the high-volume pump that supplies the ship's internal science seawater supply) the FlowCytobot needed to be placed in a compartment deep within the ship, near a port in the hull where a supplementary seawater intake could be placed. The only available compartment for this was the "Hose Reel Room" at the very aft end of the ship, directly above the propellers where refueling hoses are stored. When breaking ice, the Healy's twin propellers would send meter-sized chunks directly into the hull plating immediately below this compartment. Emily here enjoys a quiet moment but ear protection and warm coats were de rigeur when working in this compartment during icebreaking operations. (Photo by Karen Romano Young)[back]
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