LHS Teacher Chosen For Ocean Exploration Research Trip

LEMONT, IL — Lemont High School mathematics teacher Julie Johnson has been selected as a 2017 Science Communication Fellow and will sail aboard Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus during its 2017 expedition, according to a release from LHS. The school said Johnson will join the Corps of Exploration aboard E/V Nautilus from July 16-29 as it explores the Channel Islands off the coast of California.

“I am proud to represent my school and community at sea,” Johnson said in a release. “I am very excited to work with the amazing group of educators and scientists who have been brought together through this opportunity.”

According to the release, a total of 24 educators, 19 students and one artist were selected from a competitive pool of applicants by the Ocean Exploration Trust to participate at sea during the 2017 Nautilus Exploration Program expedition. OET, a nonprofit founded by Dr. Robert Ballard in 2008, has made its mission to explore the ocean, seeking out new discoveries in the fields of geology, biology, maritime history, archaeology, physics and chemistry, while pushing the boundaries of STEAM education and technological innovation.

According to the release, those selected to participate hail from schools, universities, science centers, aquaria and non-profit organizations from the United States and Canada. As members of the Corps of Exploration, Johnson and her fellow educators and students not only will work alongside scientists and engineers, but also participate in live interactions with shore-based audiences via Nautilus Live, a 24-hour web portal that brings expeditions from the field to future explorers on shore at www.nautiluslive.org.

LHS said Johnson will take part in an expedition during which scientists will explore the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, which is located off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties in California. The 2017 expedition will continue exploration by using a high-resolution mapping system to characterize the sea floor in unmapped areas. Following mapping operations, the Nautilus team will use remote operated vehicles (ROVs) to conduct visual surveys, collect high-definition video imagery, and collect biological and geological samples, according to the release.

An important aspect of the program is for Science Communication Fellows to bring the expedition and excitement of ocean exploration back to their home communities after they have returned from sea by incorporating their experience into classroom lesson plans and community presentation events, as well as through informal educational opportunities, according to the release.

“While aboard the vessel, my main focus will be to make connections between high school mathematics and ocean exploration. I look forward to bringing these connections back to my integrated classroom and colleagues," Johnson said in a release.

According to the release, Johnson joined Lemont High School’s faculty in 2010. A 2009 graduate of Lewis University, she resides in Minooka and graduated from Minooka High School.

Photo provided by Lemont High School.