- Richard R. Arnold II
- Astronaut
Johnson Space Center
I grew up in Maryland and as a kid, I got to spend a lot of time out on the Chesapeake Bay fishing and crabbing. Also, I used to watch “The Undersea World of Jaques Cousteau” and the Apollo lunar landings on TV, so I’ve always been interested in exploration. I remember the first time I went snorkeling when on a family vacation to Florida. From then on, I was hooked. When I was in college, I got certified in SCUBA and have been enjoying it as a hobby ever since. My childhood interests led to a Master’s Degree in Marine & Estuarine Environmental Science. It also led me to become a teacher, a job where I could share my enthusiasm for science and mathematics with students like you.
As an Astronaut, every day at work is something new. We practice flying in space, support actual missions, and get to participate in unique training such as NEEMO. It is especially fun being part of a great team that is laying the groundwork for your future exploration of the moon and Mars. As a kid in elementary school, I wouldn’t have believed that as an adult I’d be training to live and work under the sea and in space at the same time.
When I finished graduate school, I was fortunate enough to work on an oceanographic and sailing vessel that conducted cruises for up to 6 weeks at sea. Having had the chance to live at sea for long periods of time, I’m also looking forward to supporting missions for folks living under the sea and in space until I get my chance.
For those of you interested in studying marine science or oceanography my advice is stick with it. It continues to lead me to exciting places and it is very important to do something you enjoy.
