Hi! I’m Samuel Thomsen, but you can call me Sam. I’m absolutely thrilled to be this year’s OWUSS European Scholar. First and foremost, I’d like to extend a big thank you to everyone who has supported me in achieving this and is facilitating this year. This includes my generous sponsors, wonderful coordinators, and, of course, […]

[4 min read] Nestled off New Zealand’s northeastern coast, the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve is a kelp-filled aquatic haven teeming with marine life, from whale sharks and manta rays to nudibranchs. It’s a diver’s dream. I visited these ancient volcanic remains for a 360 filming project. I hope to use virtual reality (VR) to […]

A dive expedition to South Georgia with EYOS introduced to me the captivating polar regions, an environment I have kept getting drawn back to. From subsequent polar explorations with Lindblad and Endeavour, I now know how crucial this icy landscape is in regulating our global climate. Fuelled by this insight and keen to develop my […]

[3 min read] One question I have been asked a lot this year is “How did a nursing student get an ocean scholarship?” While studying to be a nurse, I discovered that diving into the ocean is the best way for me to find a balance between caring for others and nurturing my own well-being. […]

[4 min read but if you like ice, wildlife and ocean pictures probs longer!] Tell me about Antarctica! Among the remarkable places I’ve had the privilege to explore this year, Antarctica is the one place that consistently sparks the most curiosity from others. This white continent is wild and beautiful and few get to experience […]