Drake Passage Initial Interpretations paper published in PLoS ONE - Link - just in time for some serious preparation for the full cruise!

Aloha!
Dr. W.

The Darling Marine Center

It's been a little over two weeks since I started to get settled at the Darling Marine Center, and I realised it's about time I updated on here! So much has been happening in the last few weeks, it's all been a bit of a blur. Here are some photos to recap and update you all on progress - we're moving forward with several exciting things and have some great projects getting going soon - from Alaska to Antarctica - so stay tuned!

Aloha
Dr. W.

First off, there has been rather a lot of snow! Our lab mascot palm tree went out for a wander while technican  Christian was here to help unload and take part in a diving course. 

The Flowing Seawater Laboratory, home to the new Waller Laboratory after last weeks snow storm - a good 2ft came down in less than 24hrs! 

Friend of the lab Kate Buckman came down from New Hampshire to give some much needed unloading help! This is my new office, and storage area for all the lab gear until the lab next door is ready - it's undergoing some renovations at the moment. 

The POD container came and went - everything inside arrived safe and sound (aside from the odd Hawaiian cockroach that crept in there that didn't fair so well!)

Last week saw myself start an AAUS diving course (so I can dive in Alaska in March) and technician Christian take his drysuit certification (so he can also dive in Alaska in March). We're not crazy honest, it's actually quite toasty once you have all the gear on. 

The Polar Bear dive team - Diving Safety Officer Chris, Christian and myself. 

I'm getting used to the lack of geckos, cockroaches and mosquitos and having somewhat larger "friends" around instead. I have yet to see this creature around the Darling Marine Center grounds, but it has sure made a lot of tracks in the snow! 

Maine Arrival

Finally the Waller Lab has moved! Here are a few pictures from the sunrise this morning at the Darling Marine Center. It's a little different from the 84F in Hawaii right now, but spectacular none the less. 

The Administration and Cowbarn buildings on the upper campus area. 

Sunrise over the Horsebarn. Now just that container to unpack! 

The lab is packed thanks to all the amazing and fabulous helpers i've had over the last few weeks. The container gets picked up on Wednesday off on it's long way to the new home of the Waller Lab, the Darling Marine Center, University of Maine. The container won't get there until the 28th of December - it goes from here by boat on Thursday, then across country by truck - so it'll arrive just one day before I do!

Some pictures from the packing!
Aloha
Dr. W.

Ryan and Paula packing the mini-fridge. 

Even packing can be made fun! Paula, Doug and Ryan enthralled at getting mid-way through!

Packed! Or at least mostly, a few more items to add tomorrow and it'll be ready to go! 

Packing the lab

It's been all go the last few weeks, organizing, packing and getting the lab ready to ship to Maine. Tuesday saw the last day of work in the Waller lab of the Marine Sciences Building, and Wednesday - Friday has seen all the fabulous lab users kicking in to help get me packed and on my way. I can honestly say this move would not be possible without the help of the undergrads, grad students and postdocs who have made the lab, and the University of Hawaii, a fun place to be. More photos soon as we pack the POD container over the weekend. 

Aloha

Dr.W.

The PODS container arrives. 

The PODS container being dropped off in the loading dock of the Marine Sciences Building. 

Keo and Christian tackle packing my office.

Ryan packs the glassware in a very dismantled looking laboratory.

Daniel stacking boxes, ready for packing the POD this weekend. 

Progress....

Things are progressing in the laboratory! The formalin samples were shipped a few weeks ago, boxes have started appearing seemingly from nowhere and the chilled samples will be shipped over to Maine within the week. The container for all the rest of the lab arrives in just 3 weeks, time is certainly flying by. I'll update with pictures of the move when it comes!

Updates to the Alaskan Red Tree coral reproduction project has been posted!

Aloha
Dr. W.

The Sound of Science