Sonke Johnsen Talks Underwater Camouflage and Vision in March 22 Webcast
The Duke biologist discusses his research on why and how deep-sea animals see and give off their own light, on "Office Hours" this Friday
Duke biologist Sonke Johnsen plunges deep into the ocean to understand how creatures on the seafloor see. In a live "Office Hours" webcast interview at noon Friday, March 22, Johnsen will discuss how the animals produce and detect light far underwater -- where there's little sunlight.
Watch the interview live on this webpage or on Duke Today. To pose a question to Johnsen, email live@duke.edu, Tweet at @DukeOfficeHours or post to the Duke Office Hours Facebook page.
For his research, Johnsen has received a multi-million dollar grant from the Navy to investigate underwater camouflage. He has studied the eyesight of deep-sea crabs and giant squid. And he has a new book out called "The Optics of Life: A Biologist's Guide to Light in Nature."
On his lab's website, Johnsen describes his own meandering path -- via carpentry, dance instruction and teaching kindergarten -- to his career as a biology professor, and offers advice to potential graduate students. "Do not go to a high-powered lab that you hate assuming that this will promise you long-term happiness," he writes. "Deferred gratification has its limits."
"Office Hours" is Duke's live webcast series for the university community, and others, to engage with professors about their research and scholarship.