Interview with Lance Horn, Operations Director at NOAA Undersea Research Center at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
What does your job entail?
I manage day to day operations for NURC. This involves mission management, equipment maintenance, and personnel issues. For the Oculina mission, I am the leader of the AUV team and the ROV pilot.
What do you like best / least about your work?
I enjoy the variety of the different operations. The thing I like least about my job is the equipment and maintenance problems.
Do you have any advice for others interested in your work?
I’d advise others to get a strong computer or electronics background. It also helps to be mechanically inclined and you have to be prepared to spend a considerable amount of time offshore.
When you are not working, what are your hobbies?
Canoeing, playing with my dog, travel
What is you favorite book?
Any of the J.R.R. Tolkien Series
What is your favorite movie?
Any movie based on marvel comics
What would be the one place you would like to travel to?
Canada
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Retired and learning how to flyfish.