From the deep sea to Science World

By Moronke Harris

Thousands of meters below the surface of the ocean, in complete darkness, exists a world teeming with thick bacterial mats resembling shag carpets and unique animal life found nowhere else on our planet. Here, the scene is mesmerizingly otherworldly. Hydrothermal vents, like chimneys of an underwater city, create oases of life in an otherwise desolate expanse. These seafloor superheated geysers, located in regions of intense volcanic activity, release plumes of scalding, mineral-rich water that reach temperatures up to 400°C, fueling entire ecosystems.

This is the realm deep-sea specialists like myself collaboratively explore, to chart new expanses, test new technologies, and unlock insights that drive societal progress and innovation. Perhaps the only thing more thrilling than witnessing these phenomena firsthand is sharing them with audiences on land. On November 2, I’ll have the privilege of sharing my experiences with over 300 young minds as the keynote speaker at Science World's annual Girls and STEAM Summit.

The Girls and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Design, and Math) Summit will focus on inspiring the next generation of professionals as they navigate the unprecedented challenges of the future. Participants can get their hands dirty, talk to each other, and learn from the brilliant minds of leaders in STEAM roles. Many people don’t often have the opportunity to engage with a mentor, which is hugely beneficial and was identified as an integral component in helping support women in STEAM jobs. Events like the Summit are needed to drive inspiration for the next generation of leaders to address the complex challenges of our time. 

Finding my calling

Observation of the largely unexplored ocean offers an unparalleled opportunity for revolutionary discoveries and the attainment of scientific milestones. I have been enthralled by this concept since I was young. Within the ocean science community, there’s a common origin story. Many career aspirations were rightfully sparked by time spent on or by the sea. Growing up in a landlocked area of Canada thousands of kilometres from the ocean, I instead found myself glued to documentaries and films like Blue Planet and James Cameron's The Abyss — wanting to dive headfirst into the treasure trove of revolutionary discovery! 

Coupled with my imagination, these pieces of media were the lifeline to my future ambitions. They led me to take a Marine Ecology course in the final year of my undergraduate degree, where I stumbled upon hydrothermal vents: ecosystems that thrive without sunlight using chemosynthesis, a biological process by which organisms convert chemical energy into the carbohydrates and glucose the organism needs for food. Today, my research focuses on the bacterial communities these vents host and their potential to yield biopharmaceuticals, such as antiviral and anti-cancer drugs. This area of study is a testament to the vast opportunity the deep sea holds for breakthroughs in medicine and beyond.

Diversity in STEAM 

I'm a dedicated advocate for diversity in STEAM fields, having seen firsthand how merging diverse perspectives fuels impactful innovation and breakthroughs. Each at-sea expedition is a unique, floating microcosm — a "village" of over 50 people, each with distinct experiences, backgrounds, and ways of thinking that may never come together in quite the same way again. This blend of perspectives is our greatest strength, allowing for discoveries that push boundaries. However, today in Canada, only 25 percent of STEM jobs are held by women, while it’s anticipated that the majority of future jobs will require STEAM skillsets, and these jobs are often regarded as more stable and highly paid. We must work to close this gap and ensure a truly inclusive future in STEAM.

Being true to yourself

Change begins with embracing authenticity and celebrating what makes each of us unique. Individuals should never feel pressured to shrink themselves or conform to a narrow, prescribed mould. I encourage everyone to embrace their individuality and bring their full selves into their passions in STEAM.

For me, this is as simple as showing up in vibrant colours and bold patterns, expressing myself in a field often characterized by restraint. Staying true to who we are not only enriches our own journeys but also fosters a more inclusive, creative, and collaborative environment in STEAM. As a deep-sea oceanographer, my passion lies in exploring the most uncharted realms of the ocean, where mystery, discovery, and innovation converge. Our unique perspectives and ways of thinking are what drive innovation, and by embracing our individuality, we contribute to a culture that values and thrives on diversity. In short, bringing your full self into your pursuits strengthens the very fabric of our field. 

Dream, Design, Discover: A Future-Forward Guide to Staying Imaginative

At the Girls and STEAM Summit, my keynote Dream, Design, Discover: A Future-Forward Guide to Staying Imaginative will invite the audience of 300 participants, aged 12 to 14, on an extraordinary journey into Earth's final frontier, drawing from my experience of over 150 days spent collaboratively exploring the deep ocean with submersibles. Through these experiences, we’ll dive into how embracing imagination fuels innovation, helps overcome challenges, and sparks a passion for building a more inclusive future in STEAM. This talk is designed to inspire young innovators to dream big, push boundaries, and embrace the limitless possibilities within science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

Future forward! 

Envisioning the future, it’s critical to find ways to empower young girls and women to not only enter STEAM fields but to remain and thrive in them. By sharing my own journey and encouraging future innovators to embrace possibilities, pursue imagination, and seek mentorship and support networks, I hope to help shift the landscape and do my part in inspiring lasting change. 

About Moronke Harris

Moronke Harris is an award-winning deep-sea scientist, founder of science communication and creative consulting brand ‘The Imaginative Scientist’, and this year’s keynote speaker at Science World’s annual Girls and STEAM Summit.

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