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Nicole Waite is an oceanographer and laboratory researcher with over a decade of experience in marine science, ocean observing technologies, and polar ecological research. She holds an M.S. in Oceanography from Rutgers University and a B.S. in Marine Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of New England. Her expertise spans marine technology, marine biogeochemistry, phytoplankton ecology, and coastal ecosystem dynamics, with extensive fieldwork across the Western Antarctic Peninsula, including multiple deployments with the U.S. Antarctic Program and international research cruises. Nicole’s technical strengths include managing oceanographic laboratories, leading field teams, and serving as a senior Slocum glider technician, pilot, and instructor. She has contributed to long‑term ecological research, cutting‑edge autonomous ocean technology development, and interdisciplinary studies on climate‑driven changes in polar marine systems. Nicole has extensive experience with oceanographic instrumentation, including CTDs, rosettes, Niskin bottles, and bio-optical profiling instruments. She also has extensive laboratory experience with a wide variety of instrumentation and techniques, including High Performance Liquid Chromatography, fluorometry, and Imaging Flow Cytometry.
Nicole has served at the RUCOOL since 2015, where she currently manages the Schofield Lab, coordinates oceanographic instrumentation, leads and plans field operations locally and remotely, and supports scientific collaborations, data management and analysis, and publication efforts. Her work has resulted in numerous peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations, particularly in phytoplankton community dynamics and advancements in autonomous observing platforms. She is also involved in teaching, mentoring, and outreach, including glider training workshops, undergraduate and graduate class assistance, and K–12 STEM engagement. Nicole’s broad scientific background, leadership in field research, and commitment to workforce development position her as a versatile and highly skilled contributor to ocean observing and marine ecosystem research.