VGM

Doctoral Student in Marine Science

University of Gothenburg Kristineberg Center for Marine Research and Innovation

Biography

The ocean’s vastness and complexity serve as a constant reminder of the humility we must embrace as scientists, and it is this humility that compels us to seek out more, for learning is lifelong, and lifelong is learning. I am a Doctoral condiate at the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Gothenburg. My research currently focuses on understanding the impact of anthropogenic disturbances, particularly bottom trawling and deep sea mining, on the deep sea sediment dynamics. Such acitivities significantly alter the natural sediment aggregation and transport processes, influencing spatial and temporal variation in sediment properties such as density, size distribution and settling velocity, ultimately dictating the residence time of the thus forming sediment plumes. My research aims to investigate the formation and behavior of sediment plumes and fluid mud layers, exploring their implications across four key areas (1) physico-chemical controls on fluid mud formation, (2) interaction with seafloor topography and transition to gravity currents, (3) ecological consequences for benthic communities, and (4) impacts on seabed carbon remineralization and sequestration. Through an interdisciplinary approach integrating geological, physical, and biological perspectives, I seek to enhance our understanding of sediment transport mechanisms in the deep-sea.

Interests

Deep-sea sediment dynamics
Marine biogeochemistry
Deep-sea monitoring technology
Carbon Sequestration

Education

PhD Marine Sciences, 2028
University of Gothenburg
MS Earth Sciences, 2024
Dartmouth College
BSc Earth and Environmental Sciences, 2022
Jacobs (Constructor) University Bremen

Experience

Graduate Research Assistant

Dept. of Earth Sciences, Dartmouth College

September 2022 – Present New Hampshire, USA

Plan and conduct microcosm experiments (ship-board as well as roller tank experiments in laboratory) and mesocosm experiments to understand the effect of lithogenic mineral dust on particle aggregation and carbon flux in the surface ocean.
Understand the dynamics of organo-mineral floc formation and its impact on carbon export from the surface ocean.
Methodology: Particle analysis, Spectrophotometry, Microscopy, Solid Phase Extraction, Mass Spectrometry

Research Intern and Working Student

Marine Biogeochemistry, Alfred Wegener Institute

August 2021 – May 2022 Bremerhaven, Germany

Carry out field sampling for soil pore water and lysimeter samples, and prepare nutrient, cations, isotope, DIC and Alkalinity samples for measurement on a weekly basis.
Estimate the critical shear velocity of Olivine sample by the implementation of a Gust chamber for simulating boundary layer shear stress conditions to determine the regimes to carry out a potential Enhanced weathering project.

Undergraduate Research Assistant

Jacobs University Bremen

August 2020 – May 2022 Bremen, Germany

Sediment characteristics and dynamics analysis with the aid of instruments such as LISST-100X, Cameras, Aqualogger, and experimental set up involving water flume, Water-column simulator, and settling column.
Analysis of datasets for particle size distribution and settling velocity using Python, MATLAB and Image analysis using ImageJ Fiji software.
Preparation of bottles for sample handling and processing, following certain acid-bath/wash and GEOTRACES protocol as needed.
Setting up ICP-MS and ICP-OES and sample preparation.

Projects

Bacteria-Clay interactions in the ocean [Clay, Carbon, Oceans]

Understanding interaction between clay minerals and bacteria towards carbon export in the Biological Carbon Pump

Impact of Deep Sea Mining

Understanding the particle characteristics and dynamics of deep-sea sediments to understand anthropogenic impacts on the sea floor.

Nickel concentration in the Rainbow hydrothermal vent using voltammetry [RainbowPlume]

Determination of dissolved Ni concentrations in the non-buoyant plume samples using Adsorptive Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry.

Project Cardown - Enhanced Silicate Weathering

Research Cruises

EN710 - Penobscot Bay Hg

RV Endeavor

October 2023 – November 2023 Gulf of Maine, USA

EN699 - Clay, carbon, oceans

RV Endeavor

April 2023 – April 2023 Gulf of Maine, USA

HE597 - JUB & POLMAR Graduate school educational cruise

RV Heincke

April 2022 – April 2022 North Sea - Heligoland

M176/2 - Rainbow nonboyant hydrothermal plume GEOTRACES study

RV Meteor

August 2022 – October 2022 Rainbow hydrothermal vent field, MAR

HE575 - Oceanography Field Lab

RV Heincke

April 2021 – April 2021 German Bight

Skills

Technical

Python - Data analysis and processing

Matlab - Data analysis, processing, & plotting

R - Statistical analysis and Plotting

GIS [Arc- & Q-]

ImageJ Fiji - Particle analysis

Adobe Creative Cloud

Microsoft Office

LaTeX

Laboratory and Field training

Particle analysis

LISST, Aqualogger turbidity sensor, Camera

Trace Element analysis

IMS, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, AdCS-Voltammetry

Experimental Set-up

Roller tanks, ship-board microcosm & field mesocosm experiments, Settling column and particle camera, Gust/Benthic Chamber, and Water column simulator

Oceanographic field instruments

CTD, Tow-fish, Sediment corer (gravity and Multicorer), plankton net, turbidity sensor and fluorometer, Multibeam and echosounders

Field training

Deck deployment and reviving of various instruments, drone and photogrammetry, pre-cruise planning and preparation.

Languages

English

Malayalam

Tamil

German

Hindi

Sanskrit

Hobbies