June15, 2024 – Using AI to identify HAB around Long Island
Antoinette Clemetson, New York Sea Grant. Learn about harmful algae that regularly bloom around long island and how artificial intelligence and a tiny microscope can help detect quickly and easily these algae.
Antoinette Clemetson of New York Sea Grant / Cornell Cooperative Extension chooses priorities for outreach messages during an exercise at the coastal ocean acidification workshop.
If you want to know more about Antoinette:
Where did you go to school?
I studies in Jamaica where I attended Ardenne High School. I went to the University of the West Indies at the Mona campus in Jamaica for undergraduate and graduate studies.
What is your area of research?
I work on problems that affect fish species that are targeted by commercial and recreational fishermen. These problems vary from pathogens to how fishermen harvest their catch in ways that result in decline.
Who or what inspired you to become involved in marine science?
When I was young, I remember my father and I always watched Jacque Cousteau who was a famous oceanographer and marine wildlife discoverer. My father also gave me my fish identification guide and after I read about the different species, I was hooked.
What qualities do you think are important in order to become a scientist?
Having a curious and inquisitive mind, and big imagination which helps you to think big.
Why is your research topic important?
People depending on harvesting catch to support themselves and feed our country. I hope that my work helps to build food security, even if the focus is seafood production.
What will you be bringing with you to the “meet with an Oceanographer” day?
I want to share information about species that are present and important in the food chain, but they are easily missed or overlooked.
What is the best advice you have for people interested in becoming involved in your field of research or in marine sciences?
Be open minded and take advantage of any opportunity to learn about marine issues, even if the subject doesn’t seem to be of immediate interest to you. Knowledge is empowering and expanding our understanding about different issues is never a waste of time. I reserve a portion of my brain for “useless trivia” where I store information that becomes relevant or important in the future.
What is your favorite ocean organism?
That’s a difficult question because the ocean is filled with so many unique organisms. If I had to choose, perhaps it would be the blue whale because I find it amazing that the biggest creature on our planet is fueled by eating krill which happens to be extremely small.