Report - Research Stay in Texas by Zoi Kourkouraidou

Text: Zoi Kourkouraidou

After participating in the CLIVAR Workshop in Lorne, Australia—where I presented first results from my new project on the energetics of internal tide–eddy interactions in the south-east Atlantic, resolved in the kilometer-scale configuration of ICON—I continued my down-under experience by visiting the Climate and Fluid Physics Group at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra.

The group works on a broad range of topics, including large-scale ocean circulation, internal waves, and turbulence, approached through numerical modeling, theory, and lab experiments. I was hosted by Dr. Callum Shakespeare, who kindly arranged a very fruitful schedule of meetings with both senior and early-career researchers. I had the opportunity to learn about their work and was given a fascinating tour of their experimental fluid dynamics lab (follow them on Instagram @cfp_lab for some amazing content!).

I was also invited to present my own work at the group’s weekly seminar, where I received great questions and valuable ideas for my research. The visit ended in the best way possible—with the group’s annual long-weekend retreat to Bungonia National Park, where we camped, went on stunning (and sometimes quite challenging) hikes, cooked together, and played games. My personal highlight: the many kangaroos who confidently hopped through our campsite(!).

Unfortunately, my time in Australia flew by far too quickly, but I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to connect with so many researchers and learn about their science. And beyond the academic experience, I’ll never forget the scenic walks in Lorne, the chilly early-morning swims in the Southern Ocean, the breathtaking sunsets, and the incredible wildlife—from kangaroos and koalas to cockatoos and goannas. I

’m especially thankful to my co-supervisor Manita for connecting me with the group, and to Callum for hosting me and organizing such a rich program. Last but not least, I would like to sincerely thank CRC181 and the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology for funding this unforgettable trip.