Team
Ruth Blake headshot photo

Ruth Blake

Lead Scientist
Professor
Yale University

Ruth Blake is a Professor in the departments of Geology & Geophysics and Environmental Engineering, and in the School of Forestry & Environmental Studies at Yale University. Dr. Blake's areas of expertise include marine biogeochemistry, stable isotope geochemistry and geomicrobiology. Her recent work focuses on developing new stable isotope tools, geochemical proxies and biomarkers to study marine/microbial phosphorus cycling and evolution of the phosphorus cycle from pre-biotic to recent. Dr. Blake is engaged in a range of studies on co-evolution of earth and life and the impacts of both on biogeochemical processes occurring in the oceans, deep-sea sediments, seafloor hydrothermal systems and the sub-seafloor deep biosphere. Dr. Blake has participated in several ocean exploration/ research expeditions including cruises to: FeMO observatory at Loihi undersea volcano, 9°N EPR, Orca Basin in the Gulf of Mexico and North Pond in the mid-Atlantic. She has also served as shipboard scientist on Ocean Drilling Program and R/V Atlantis /DSV ALVIN platforms.

Ruth Blake holds a BS degree in geology from Wayne State University and a MS degree in hydrogeology from the University of Texas and graduated from the University of Michigan in 1998 with a PhD in geochemistry.

I study the oceans because of their great impact and influence as the largest and most important sites of dynamic geochemical and microbiological processes that shape earth's biogeochemical cycles through time. I am truly thrilled to sail aboard Nautilus because I believe it provides an unprecedented platform for sharing knowledge and new discoveries, and for engaging fellow scientists-- as well as the public, in the exciting enterprise of exploration! I also enjoy the "life transforming" experience of being on the ocean, there is nothing else like it!

Expeditions

Ruth participated in the following Ocean Exploration Trust expeditions: