High pressures and sharp thermal and pH gradients at the deep-sea hydrothermal vent sites give rise to some of the most extreme and unique habitats on Earth. Spontaneous formation of complex organic molecules observed at these sites suggests that similar mechanisms could lead to the emergence of life on other watery worlds within and outside of the solar system.

Schmidt Ocean Institute is a nonprofit research-vessel operator founded in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to accelerate the understanding of our oceans through technical innovation and open sharing of information, fostering collaborations with the broad international community of ocean scientists and technology developers. Deep-sea science is among the research areas the institute supports with its focus on the advancement of methods, practices and technologies in ocean sciences. Wiener and Zykov will discuss how the Schmidt Ocean Institute supports ocean-related research and technology development with the research vessel Falkor, which provides state-of-the-art laboratories and computing and communication facilities.

Wiener serves as the institute’s communication manager and has more than 10 years of experience in marine science communications. She received her master’s and doctorate degrees in environmental studies from York University in Toronto. Zykov leads the development of research programs and strategic initiatives for SOI. He received a master’s of science and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering and robotics from Cornell University.

This event is free. For more information, please e-mail the Caltech Management Association or call Randii Wessen, ext. 4-7580 or Randii.R.Wessen@jpl.nasa.gov.

See http://cma.jpl.nasa.gov for more information about the Caltech Management Association’s mission.