Kevin Johnson Profile-X-treme Science

Kevin T. M. Johnson
Marine Geologist and Volcanologist
Bishop Museum

Kevin talks about some of the less glamorous aspects of submarine science in this video

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What he does
Kevin studies volcanoes. He goes to sea on ships and to the seafloor in subs, gathering volcanic rocks. Chemical data from the rocks help him understand inner Earth.

How he got into science
Kevin's boyhood interest in oceans deepened when he saw Jacques Cousteau on TV. His college didn't have oceanography, so he chose geology (he liked mountain hiking). Finally, in grad school, he studied oceanography.

Favorite accomplishments
Kevin and his co-workers figured out how Earth's mantle melts to produce volcanoes. He's also proud he made Eagle Scout and joined the Peace Corps in Western Sämoa.

In his free time
He enjoys kayaking, body surfing, camping, reading and spending time with wife Laura and daughter Noelani.

Quote
"Everyone is an explorer. How can you live your life looking at a door and not try to open it?"