Isabel De Allende Silva
Isabel De Allende Silva, a Miami resident currently studying at the University of Southern California, has been selected as a 2026 Video Systems Engineering Intern in the Science & Engineering Internship Program and sailing aboard Ocean Exploration Trust’s (OET) Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus during its 2026 expedition season. De Allende Silva was selected as one of 19 interns from hundreds of applicants and joins the team aboard E/V Nautilus in July and August to explore the ocean around the Mariana region.
The 22-day expedition is utilizing the ROV, mapping, and telepresence systems of E/V Nautilus in combination with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s autonomous underwater vehicle Sentry to explore priority deep-sea areas in and around the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, including abyssal plain habitats, as well as other deep-sea areas offshore the Mariana Islands that support resource management priorities.
“A dream came true. Since I was little, I have always been fascinated by all kinds of strange creatures, and throughout, I have been glued to deep-sea videos, many of which came from Nautilus Live,” De Allende Silva said. “I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that I am now one of these video engineers. An unbelievable full circle. I am extremely thankful.”
Ocean Exploration Trust, a nonprofit founded by Dr. Robert Ballard, operates with a mission to explore the unknown parts of the ocean, seeking out new discoveries while pushing the boundaries of technological innovation, STEAM education, and outreach. Expeditions center on scientific exploration of the seafloor, collaboration with the broader scientific community, and engagement of audiences of all ages via telepresence technology. The team has traveled around the world, helping understand the deep ocean and sharing discoveries live with the world through NautilusLive.org.
As a Video Engineering Intern, De Allende Silva is learning to operate camera controls for the ship and subsea video systems, and work with lead engineers in the operation and maintenance of all video systems aboard Nautilus.
OET’s internships train students in the at-sea environment and provide real-world experience to further develop academic interests and professional career paths via participation in the Nautilus Exploration Program. These interns come from community colleges, undergraduate, service academies, and graduate programs in ocean and atmospheric sciences, seafloor mapping, systems engineering, film, and electrical, mechanical, aerospace, and robotics engineering.
People worldwide can engage with De Allende Silva and the explorers onboard via NautilusLive.org, a 24-hour live-streaming web portal that brings expeditions from the field to explorers on shore through telepresence technology and social media. Local schools, summer programs, and community groups are encouraged to schedule free, live one-on-one Q&A sessions with explorers on the ship available daily.
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