Addie Biesel

Your name and pronouns:
Addie Biesel (she/her)

Senior thesis title and brief description:
"Biological Analysis of Coastal South African Nepheloid Layers Using X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy." For my thesis I am studying the nepheloid layers (layers of suspended particles in the water column) that were present in South Africa during our cruise. I used X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy to analyze the elemental compositions of filtered samples, which allowed me to determine the biological composition of organic matter in the nepheloid layers.

What was your best memory from the school of Oceanography?
I loved the Ocean 201 cruise from freshman year. This was my first real taste of oceanography and it was so fun. I loved getting to try out field work while really bonding with my fellow classmates, many of whom I am still great friends with today.

What was your favorite oceanography class and why?
Probably marine pollution (Ocean 409), because Rick is the best! Haha but actually it was just such a low pressure class that was about really tough topics, but somehow Rick made it fun with all the hands on activities and endless stream of jokes. I really enjoyed what we learned while having a great time. :)

What has been your go to way to connect to your classmates remotely?
Zoom and our oceanography Slack group!

Favorite non-ocean body of water?
Hmm this is tough but probably Moraine Lake in Banff, so beautiful!!