The scientists on the North Atlantic Bloom (NAB) Experiment collaborated extensively throughout the project, meeting
across the country every three to four months to hash out details. The team members - from Maine, Massachusetts, and
Washington - each had their own strengths and individual style, which led to a very intense, but fun and productive undertaking.
"I've never been involved in a project like this," says Dr. Mary Jane Perry, "where the collaboration has been so intense
and where everybody supports each other. There's no grandstanding."
"We each have our roles. Some of us are better at one thing and not as strong at another.
We are like a super-organism!"-Mary Jane Perry |
The interdisciplinary nature of the NAB Experiment lends itself to a collaborative process. "We needed ocean physicists
and biologists," says Dr. Eric D'Asaro, along with chemists, modelers, technologists, and a ship's crew to implement the
project and understand the bigger picture. "We really brought the observations and modeling together," says Dr. Amala
Mahadevan, "and were able to synthesize both."
It was this interdisciplinary nature that drew Dr. Nicole Poulton to oceanography in the first place. "Scientists
are so specialized," says Nicole. "Collaboration affords interdisciplinary learning opportunities."
