Join a Real Deep-Sea Research Expedition With Dr. Sonia J Rowley

Denters can participate in coral research expeditions with Dr. Sonia J Rowley in Micronesia and Timor-Leste

Many Denters first met Dr. Sonia J. Rowley at our Miami dinner last October, when DEEP unveiled their Vanguard subsea habitat. Those who joined us for the Maui Collaboration Weekend in December saw more of her work firsthand — she gave a presentation on her research and joined the group snorkel at Black Rock Beach. Sonia is a marine scientist at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Scientific Associate at London's Natural History Museum, and winner of the Sir David Attenborough Award for Fieldwork. Since 2007, she's been conducting field research on mesophotic coral reefs — the deep-water zone between 30 and >150 meters, below where recreational divers go.

We are happy to announce that she's opened up her two upcoming expeditions so that Denters can participate in her research. This is truly a rare opportunity for our community members to do real field science in some of the world's most remote and biodiverse waters — contributing to a 12-year dataset, or in the case of Timor-Leste, joining an expedition where no researcher has gone before.

Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia Expedition

July 6 – August 17, 2026

Sonia has 12 years of continuous ecological data from this site in the western Pacific, one of the most remote reef systems in the world. Participants will join in on photogrammetry surveys, instrument collection and redeployment, and field research. She gives science lectures every few days on the biology, geology, and ecology of what you're seeing.

You don't need to be a diver. Snorkelers and non-divers help with specimen work, data support, and research procedures. Rebreather divers (250+ logged hours, own equipment) can go to full depth with Sonia. Degas days include the megalithic ruins of Nan Madol and excursions to remote atolls. Groups cap at 6.

7 to 23+ days. From $3,185 (SCUBA/snorkel). Denters receive a 5% discount. Full pricing and details linked here. Includes accommodation, boats, permits, and dive support. Flights and meals not included.

Timor-Leste Expedition

November 17 – December 8, 2026

Timor-Leste sits at the heart of the Coral Triangle — the most biodiverse marine region on Earth — and no rebreather divers have explored its mesophotic depths before. This is a first reconnaissance expedition. Off days include 40,000-year-old rock art in Nino Konis Santana National Park, Jaco Island, and Mount Ramelau.

7 to 23 days. From $3,486 (SCUBA/snorkel). Denters receive a 10% discount.Full pricing and details linked here. Includes accommodation with breakfast, boats, permits, and dive support. Flights, lunch, and dinner not included.

Research Credit

Sonia has included non-scientist participants as co-authors on published papers before. Contribute meaningfully on the expedition and participants can be cited as contributors.

Contact Sonia at srowley at her hawaii.edu address and mention Dent.