As the analytical chemist on board the JOIDES Resolution, Robert Wheatley is responsible for conducting all of the chemical analyses of samples for the staff scientists. One of the main processes he conducts in the chemistry lab is Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for elemental analysis of hard rock and pore water. The result is the water extracted from the sediments by titanium squeezers and a hydraulic press. Through this process, alkalinity, chloride, calcium, and magnesium concentrations of pore water are tested by titrations; while salinity levels are tested using a digital optical refractometer. Other analyses performed by the chemist include coulometry to test for carbonate, gas chromatography to detect natural gas, and ion chromatography to detect an-ions and cat-ions. Unlike other technical positions on the JOIDES Resolution, the analytical chemist does not assist in the core lab.

Robert likes life at sea because it is not a typical nine-to-fiver. Ship-life removes him from the hectic life on “the beach” - traffic, media, phone calls, etc. He likes that he can focus on his work on the ship, and then enjoy his adventures on land. Apart from his position on the ship, Robert is also a full time technician for the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program and works at the College Station office in Texas.

What’s the worst part of being on the ship, according to Robert? - the noise and confinement. Quoting a former participant he states, “It’s the closest thing to institutionalized living you can get without going to prison.” All in all, though, Bob really enjoys the lifestyle of living at sea for half of the year. Of course, he also enjoys contributing to one of the most renowned scientific endeavors in the world!

Staff Name: Robert Wheatley

Majors: Marine Biology, Chemistry, Geology (Master's degree helpful)

Education: Univ. of North Carolina, Wilmington

Courses: Chemistry, Chemistry labs, Biology, Molecular Biology, Ocean Sciences, Environmental Toxicology

Experiences: General laboratory skills, internships with pharmaceutical companies

IODP Experience: 4 years, 1st Leg - 198

Interests: Chemical compounds, laboratory testing

Life Experience: Environmental Lab, San Diego, CA; Pharmaceutical Lab, CA; Dude Ranch, Jackson Hole, WY

Interests: snowboarding, mountain climbing, surfing, camping and roadtripping; flamenco guitar and jazz; the nuances of coffee

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