All Suited Up

Incoming MIT-WHOI Joint Program students take part in a cruise orientation aboard the SSV Corwith Cramer in Woods Hole. The students are wearing immersion or survival suits—thick, neoprene, pull-on wetsuits that provide warmth, flotation, and visibility in the event of a maritime emergency in cold water. Affectionately nicknamed after the animated character, “Gumby” suits are essential safety equipment on all deep-water research ships at WHOI—and an essential photo opportunity for all new scientists who come aboard. Pictured from left to right are students Michael Humara, Kayla Gardner, Stewart Jamieson, Cynthia Becker, Joanna Millstein, and Praneeth Gurumurthy. (Photo by Lauren Heinen, Sea Education Association)