A Classroom in the Ocean

Falkor A Classroom in the Ocean

A once-in-a-lifetime research experience for UTRGV faculty and students led to the discovery of fascinating new deep-sea creatures off the coast of Chile.

Founded by the Texas Legislature, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is the first major public university of the 21st century in Texas. This initiative expanded educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley.

UTRGV has campuses and research sites across the Rio Grande Valley, including locations in Brownsville, Edinburg, Harlingen, McAllen, and South Padre Island. Since enrolling its first class in 2015, UTRGV has grown into a comprehensive academic institution.

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MEET THE TEAM

Dr. Erin Easton
Dr. Erin Easton
“I think this type of research opportunity is really priceless for students. A lot of students aren't able to go on their first cruise until they're long into their postgraduate work, and having this experience now can be really foundational in helping them decide what they want to pursue in their careers.”
UTRGV Assistant Professor, SEEMS (School of Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences); Chief Scientist on the Schmidt Ocean Institute Research vessel.
Megan Francis
Megan Francis
UTRGV Undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology.
“I think one of the best parts of getting to be on a cruise like this is being able to understand what marine biology could be for me. It's really wonderful that I get to practice lab techniques that will become useful in the future, will allow for more opportunities. Also, just being able to work in a multicultural lab setting is amazing.”
Elyssia Gonzalez
Elyssia Gonzalez
UTRGV Graduate Student pursuing a Master's Degree in Ocean, Coastal, and Earth Sciences.
“Being able to jump into the world of the ocean and being able to have that hands-on experience, collaborate with the fellow students on board and shadow and learn from the research professionals, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, for sure.”

The Falkor

R/V Falkor (Too)

A scientific research vessel operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute. This vessel serves as a platform for international scientists conducting deep-sea research and exploration. The Falkor (too) is equipped with advanced technology and research facilities, allowing scientists to explore and study the ocean's depths.

Falkor
subastian

SUBASTIAN

ROV

Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, capable of descending to depths up to 4,500 meters. Allows scientists to observe and collect samples from the ocean floor, contributing significantly to marine biology research.

chaunax
Coronaster
hydroid
oblong
squat
bathyphysa
sponge
spiraling
chaunacops
leptoseris
EXPEDITION RECORDINGS
Chaunax
DEPTH:
200-600 m
LOCATION:
Southwestern flank of Rapa Nui, near the Salas y Gómez Ridge
DESCRIPTION:
A bony fish in the sea toad family documented during Dive 664, moving upslope from ~600 m to ~200-300 m.
COOL FACTS:
Chaunax are known for their ability to camouflage with the seabed, helping them ambush prey and avoid predators.
Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
Chaunax
Coronaster
DEPTH:
600 m to 200-300 m
LOCATION:
Southwestern flank of Rapa Nui, near Salas y Gómez Ridge
DESCRIPTION:
A genus of starfish in the family Asteriidae, documented during Dive 664.
COOL FACTS:
Observed by ROV SuBastian; located at the western extent of underwater mountain ranges.
Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
Coronaster
Corymorphidae Hydroid
DEPTH:
820 m - 250-300 m
LOCATION:
Rapa Nui, northern flank
COOL FACTS:
Hydroids are colonial organisms often found in deep-sea habitats, serving as shelter and food for other species.
Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
hydroid
Oblong Dermechinus Urchins
DEPTH:
516 meters
LOCATION:
Seamount JF2, off the coast of Chile
COOL FACTS:
An international team of scientists discovered over 100 new species on seamounts near Chile, including corals, sponges, urchins, and squat lobsters.
Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
oblong
Squat Lobster
DEPTH:
669 meters
LOCATION:
Seamount JF2, off the coast of Chile
COOL FACTS:
A new species of squat lobster discovered among deep-sea corals, glass sponges, and sea urchins during a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition.
Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
squat
Bathyphysa Siphonophore
DEPTH:
~900 m to ~230 m
LOCATION:
Eastern flank of an unexplored seamount, near Motu Motiro Hiva, within Chile's jurisdiction
COOL FACTS:
Discovered near the Salas y Gómez Ridge; within Motu Motiro Hiva Marine Park
Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
bathyphsya
Euplectella
DEPTH:
1238.67 meters
LOCATION:
Seamount 10 (Guyot Baral)
COOL FACTS:
This unique sponge was documented by the ROV SuBastian, operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
sponge
Iridogorgia
DEPTH:
1419 meters
LOCATION:
Seamount JF1, Mar de Juan Fernández, off central Chile
COOL FACTS:
A marine protected area documented by ROV SuBastian.
Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
oblong
Chaunacops
DEPTH:
1388.65 meters
LOCATION:
Seamount SF2, Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park
COOL FACTS:
A Chaunacops is a genus of bony fish in the sea toad family (Chaunacidae).
Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
chaunacops
Leptoseris Coral
DEPTH:
1200 m to 190 m
LOCATION:
Northern flank of Motu Motiro Hiva
COOL FACTS:
The deepest-known photosynthesis-dependent coral, documented on Dive 672 by ROV SuBastian.
Credit: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
leptoseris

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About Schmidt Ocean Institute
Established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt with the mission of catalyzing discoveries to understand the ocean, sustain life, and ensure planetary health.
Learn more about the Schmidt Ocean Institute