Vienna's Ankush Joshi Returns from Argonaut Program

With a passion for learning and a desire to share his experiences as a student ambassador, Vienna resident Ankush Joshi recently returned from a four-day, four-night journey on the E/V Nautilus as part of the JASON Student and Educator National Argonauts program.

On the Argonaut Blog, Joshi and fellow Argonaut Catherine Gale, described their experiences on the boat on Aug. 14:

"We, the Argonauts, could not have been more excited as our four-day, four-night journey on the E/V Nautilus commenced. Our expedition began when we took water samples in Galveston, Texas, which we tested for levels of salinity, dissolved oxygen, phosphate, etc. Comparisons to the water quality will be made after we test the waters in Grand Cayman."

Joshi and Gale added, "We also had the privilege to converse with Dr. Robert Ballard. We were given the chance to steer the Nautilus and see its various testing laboratories and facilities. One of the most enjoyable activities we took part in was our trip to the bridge. The captain was extremely friendly and we overcame the small language barrier (his first language is Russian, but he speaks English)."

Joshi was one of 14 "Student Argonauts" who were selected to join an elite team of researchers to embark on Robert Ballard’s ship of exploration, the Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus, as it traveled the waters of the Bahamas to Grand Cayman.

Ballard founded the JASON Project in 1989 after receiving thousands of letters from school children wanting information about how he discovered the Titanic, and asking to accompany him on his next expedition. His vision was to connect students in real time with scientists in the field, via advanced telecommunications, to encourage them to become lifetime learners.

Joshi said his favorite part was having the opportunity to interact with Dr. Robert Ballard.  "He is very humble and down to earth," Joshi said.  

"Other than my parents, he is someone I aspire to be like," he added.