Conducting Research in the Gulf of Maine​

By Conor Padmanabhan ‘25​
Developing skills in data analysis/handling, programming, and ocean dynamics
Conor poses next to the harbor in Cape Cod, Massachusetts​.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a leading research organization​ that focuses on marine science and engineering, located in Cape Cod, Massachusetts.​

​I worked in the physical oceanography department, and used a mooring dataset​ to study temperature and salinity extremes in the Gulf of Maine​. I found that both high and low temperature-salinity anomalies frequently co- occur at mid-depths, likely influenced by the advection of an offshore water mass. My results also showed potential interactions between surface freshwater signals and marine heatwave depth and intensity during the 2012 marine heatwave.​

​I further developed my skills in data analysis/handling, programming, and ocean dynamics, and I hope to continue research in physical oceanography in graduate school.​ I enjoyed meeting faculty and graduate students, and of course, living in Cape Cod!

Internship funded by the CXD Funded Experiences and Skills​ Internship Fund.