Deep-sea enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opening lecture in the University of Delaware School of Marine Science and Policy’s 2017 Ocean Currents Lecture Series, scheduled for 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 25.

Lisa Tossey, a doctoral candidate studying educational technology with a focus on marine science, will discuss her recent work filming and photographing scientists aboard the R/V Atlantis that were studying the chemistry of hydrothermal vents along the East Pacific Rise in the deep sea submersible Alvin.

The presentation will be held in the newly renovated Cannon Library, located on the second floor of Cannon Laboratory at UD’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus, 700 Pilottown Road, in Lewes.

The lecture series, back after a one-year hiatus due to campus construction, is free and open to the public. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. This lecture is appropriate for all age groups, including K-12 audiences.

Titled “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea,” Tossey also will recount her own experience traveling 2,500 meters below the surface of the ocean as part of the month-long scientific research cruise led by UD’s George Luther, Maxwell P. and Mildred H. Harrington Professor of Marine Studies, in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 560 miles off the coast of Acapulco, Mexico.

Often found near volcanically active sites in ocean basins, hydrothermal vents are crevices in the Earth’s surface from which water, heated by the high temperatures under the planet’s crust, is released into the ocean.

Attendees will learn how scientists prepare for a deep sea dive and see actual footage of what it is like to explore the deep sea in a titanium sphere with only two other passengers.

Tossey served as the on-board outreach specialist and will share stunning imagery of all aspects of life aboard the vessel. From complex rock formations and uniquely evolved marine creatures to day-to-day life such as the accommodations, meals and challenges of working in a laboratory at sea, her photos and video capture the full experience.

In previous science communication roles, Tossey’s work has appeared in over 25 publications, including The Baltimore Sun, The Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, FOX News, and Science Communication.

Upcoming lectures

Additional Ocean Currents Lectures scheduled for this summer will be held in Cannon Laboratory, Room 104.

Scheduled lectures include:

• June 22: Suzanne Thurman, “Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles of the Mid-Atlantic Coast.”

• July 27: Danielle Dixson, “Ecology, Behavior and Conservation in Marine Ecosystems.”

• Aug. 24: Kathy Coyne and Tye Pettay, “Harmful Algal Blooms.”

Visit the CEOE events page for updates on dates and times.