Joseph Dituri aims to set a world record, conduct research and inspire students to conserve the oceans.
Joseph Dituri hasn’t seen the sun for days. And he won’t see it again for months. Since the first day of March, the biomedical engineer and U.S. Navy veteran has been underwater, with the goal of spending 100 days there - for science.
Happily, he doesn't have to spend his entire time in a wetsuit, as he's actually living in Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo - the same venue where the previous record was set (73 days). The tiny 100-square-foot 'hotel' lies 30 feet below the surface and Dituri plans to be here until 9 June - all the while carrying out research and giving virtual lectures for his students at the University of South Florida.
To keep water from entering the lodge, air must constantly be pumped into it, which creates a pressure about 1.6 times that of Earth’s surface. So, part of his research is investigating the mental and physical impact of living in a high-pressure environment for an extended period.
He’s also interested in the potential for hyperbaric medicine, which involves breathing oxygen at a high pressure, to help treat brain injuries that many of his fellow veterans have sustained in the line of duty.
He’ll also be testing NASA's experimental artificial intelligence health monitor that’s designed to help keep astronauts safe on lengthy space voyages - part of a long history of using underwater environments to simulate space.
Beyond research, the project is also a chance to promote ocean conservation and encourage young scientists.
