Hiroka Winter, a second-year undergraduate at the University of Nevada, Reno, participated in a week-long research expedition at sea. She joined university members, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Department of the Interior, and other partners. The team worked to restore Mesophotic and Deep Benthic Communities affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Winter described the experience as important for her academic and personal development.
Winter grew up north of Reno in Nevada’s sagebrush desert. Her interest in the ocean began in childhood after visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium. During the pandemic in 2020, she watched the animated film ‘Children of the Sea,’ which influenced her decision to study environmental science and marine-themed art in high school.
At the University of Nevada, Reno, Winter joined the College of Science to study biology. She aims to become a marine biologist and ocean conservationist. Adjusting to college life was challenging due to new responsibilities and coursework. Despite these challenges, she sought opportunities to gain experience in her field…