From Ireland to the Polar Regions: Tea Isler’s Journey in Seabed Mapping

Tea Isler monitoring multi-beam data (Alex Ingle, Schmidt Ocean Institute).

We are always delighted to see graduates of the INFOMAR MSc. module go on to make meaningful contributions to marine science and seabed mapping around the world. One such graduate is Tea Isler, whose path from mathematics to marine geoscience has led her to a PhD position at the German Polar and Marine Research Institute (AWI). Tea’s story highlights the impact of practical training and collaboration fostered through the INFOMAR Programme and AQUARIUS initiative.

 

Figure 1: Tea Isler on a polar expedition with the Alfred Wegener Institute

Figure 1: Tea Isler on a polar expedition with the Alfred Wegener Institute

 

Tea Isler writes:

“My journey to a PhD at the German Polar and Marine Research Institute has been far from linear. Starting with a bachelor's degree in mathematics in my hometown, Trieste, I soon realized I needed a more applicable field. After completing a master’s degree in Biostatistics and gaining two years of industry experience, I felt the urge to return to academia and challenge myself to learn something new. The master’s programme in Geospatial Data Analysis at UCD turned out to be exactly what I was looking for, especially thanks to the theoretical and practical INFOMAR modules, which opened my eyes to the world of seabed mapping and reshaped my future career. My experience on board the RV Tom Crean made me realize that seabed mapping perfectly combines theory and fieldwork, allowing us to produce beautiful images of underwater landscapes.

 At the Alfred Wegener Institute, I realized that those pretty images are not just end products, but powerful tools for countless scientific applications. So far, I have participated in four expeditions on board research vessels in remote polar regions, collecting multi-beam data from both ships and underwater vehicles, and have collaborated with researchers from multiple fields including petrology, geochemistry, oceanography, and biology.

 

Figure 2: Tea Isler pictured joining the R.V. Tom Crean

Figure 2: Tea Isler pictured joining the R.V. Tom Crean

 

While pursuing my PhD, I am also part of the team behind the International Bathymetric Chart of the Southern Ocean (IBCSO), a regional mapping project of GEBCO that aims to deliver the authoritative map of the Southern Ocean through international collaboration. Additionally, the bathymetry group at AWI serves as one of the four regional centers of the Nippon Foundation GEBCO Seabed 2030 project, which seeks to achieve a complete map of the ocean floor by 2030.

Thanks to AQUARIUS, INFOMAR, and the Marine Institute, I was recently offered the opportunity to return to Ireland and spend four days on board the RV Tom Crean for an advanced seabed mapping course led by the expert Jonathan Beaudoin, with support from the experienced Fabio Sacchetti. In this theoretical and practical course, I had the opportunity to enhance my seabed mapping skills and connect with fellow hydrographers and scientists from both academia and industry. It was a deeply enriching experience that provided new connections, inspiration, and motivation to apply all that I learned.

Before leaving Ireland, I made a short visit to the School of Geography at University College Dublin, where I had the pleasure of meeting current bachelor’s and master’s students pursuing their passions, just as I did three years ago.”

 

Tea’s journey reflects the growing global network of seabed mappers whose careers have been shaped by INFOMAR training and collaboration. Her achievements are a reminder of how shared knowledge, mentorship, and field experience can inspire the next generation of marine scientists. We wish Tea continued success in her research and future expeditions.

INFOMAR is a Government of Ireland seabed mapping programme funded by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment and is jointly managed by Geological Survey Ireland and The Marine Institute.