VALDOSTA STATE MAGAZINE 21 learn from and incorporate into their studies. That’s what makes us a great university.” THE EXPEDITION While some of his fellow scientists sat aboard the ship scanning for fish with acoustic instruments, Henkel was 60 feet under the waves, scouring the sea floor for echinoderms, his area of expertise since earning a Master of Science in marine biology in 2001. These slow-moving ocean invertebrates include creatures like starfish and sea urchins. Identifying the types and quantity of echinoderms at the bottom of the reef is Henkel’s specialty and was his individual responsibility on the expedition. Henkel and other Gray’s Reef researchers wanted to know if there are any differences in the habitat between the research-only area of the sanctuary and the area where monitored human activity, like recreational fishing, is allowed. Each morning, after sliding into his scuba gear, Henkel departed from the Nancy Foster on a smaller launch boat with fellow scientists to perform four to five dive operations. Each dive lasted about 40 minutes and gave the scientists enough time to survey a particular zone of the Supporting key research feeds into our academic success at Valdosta State. Our faculty and students can have access to a wealth of knowledge that they can learn from and incorporate into their studies. That’s what makes us a great university. — DR. TIMOTHY HENKEL Dr. Timothy Henkel, second from left, is pictured with other researchers aboard the 2017 National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration Nancy Foster Research Expedition. They are, from left to right, Danny Gleason, Georgia Southern University; Brianne Varnerin, Georgia Southern University; Alicia Reigel, Louisiana State University; and Roldan Muñoz, National Marine Fisheries Service. Photo: Jody Patterson/Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary “ “