Science-at-sea would not be possible without the hard-working crew and technicians on-board! So let's meet some of them...
Meet Todd Jensvold, our on-board Chief Science Officer. He is the main source and manager of scientific operations on-board the Langseth. Without him and his team, there would be no data for us to collect!
I came offshore as a “seismic helper” in the oilfield industry for Western Geophysical in 1993. My brother, Tony, was working there already and encouraged me to interview with them in Houston. I was just going to do it for a year or two.. that was 26 years ago! My first job offshore was on the Western Hercules in Trinidad. The oilfield gave me the experience and training that I bring to this job for LDEO (Lamont-Doherty) and academia.
HOW MANY SHIPS HAVE YOU WORKED ON?
I have worked on 13 or 14 different ships through the years. I actually worked on this ship (MGL) around 1995. She was a lot newer and was named the Western Legend back then. She’s been modified quite a bit since then!
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PLACE YOU HAVE VISITED WHILE AT SEA?
This is a tough one. I have visited a lot of places! The last few years have been pretty cool for destinations that included New York, Chile, New Zealand, Greece, Hawaii and Alaska. I would have to say that New Zealand was my favorite place so far. The landscape was breathtaking and the people are so friendly and accommodating. I have also spent a lot of time in Brazil, Norway and India, too.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PERKS OF THE JOB?
Traveling to so many places is a wonderful perk. I have enjoyed working with so many interesting characters along the way, as well! LDEO is very cool because we get to work with a completely new Science Party during each unique mission. The scientists and students that make up these cruises are very diverse, enthusiastic and brilliant. We often have five or six nationalities represented on each cruise. The number one perk of this type of job is the schedule. We work for a month or so offshore and then take some time off between hitches to enjoy at home with family and friends. It’s definitely a different lifestyle than your basic Monday thru Friday, 9 to 5 type of job!
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF THIS TYPE OF WORK?
We have a small core group of technicians that make every mission happen. This ship has a diverse set of capabilities. We tow multi streamer 3D configurations for one job and the next job we may be deploying a single super long 2D streamer. We often deploy and retrieve OBS’s, too. We are constantly adjusting to different configurations, different geographical locations, different weather conditions and different groups of people. Everyone has high expectations and we want to deliver good data every time. I feel like we do a great job providing this to the academic community.
WHEN ON-LAND, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME?
I love spending time with my family and friends, especially my two little grandkids! I am an avid mountain bike rider and like to participate in area races when I’m home. I have a little place on a lake in Minnesota and enjoy putzing around the lake and property. I volunteer at the soup kitchens and minister at the jails and shelters. A simple life.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PERKS OF THE JOB?
Traveling to so many places is a wonderful perk. I have enjoyed working with so many interesting characters along the way, as well! LDEO is very cool because we get to work with a completely new Science Party during each unique mission. The scientists and students that make up these cruises are very diverse, enthusiastic and brilliant. We often have five or six nationalities represented on each cruise. The number one perk of this type of job is the schedule. We work for a month or so offshore and then take some time off between hitches to enjoy at home with family and friends. It’s definitely a different lifestyle than your basic Monday thru Friday, 9 to 5 type of job!
WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF THIS TYPE OF WORK?
We have a small core group of technicians that make every mission happen. This ship has a diverse set of capabilities. We tow multi streamer 3D configurations for one job and the next job we may be deploying a single super long 2D streamer. We often deploy and retrieve OBS’s, too. We are constantly adjusting to different configurations, different geographical locations, different weather conditions and different groups of people. Everyone has high expectations and we want to deliver good data every time. I feel like we do a great job providing this to the academic community.
WHEN ON-LAND, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME?
I love spending time with my family and friends, especially my two little grandkids! I am an avid mountain bike rider and like to participate in area races when I’m home. I have a little place on a lake in Minnesota and enjoy putzing around the lake and property. I volunteer at the soup kitchens and minister at the jails and shelters. A simple life.
I think that’s REALLY impressive and meaningful Todd! How you got to be where you are - ingenuity and perseverance; and particularly the meaningful pursuits you engage in for your personal life.
ReplyDelete