- Ellen Prager
- US Geological Survey
Reston, VA.
Dr. Prager has spent the last two decades immersed, often literally, in marine science. She began her career as a safety diver and research assistant at an underwater habitat in St. Croix, USVI. Since that time she has participated in numerous research expeditions to places such as the Galapagos Islands, Papua New Guinea, throughout the Caribbean, and the deep waters of the Florida reef tract. After obtaining a M.S. from the University of Miami in 1987, and a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University in 1992, she joined the faculty of Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole, MA. At SEA, Dr. Prager taught oceanography to undergraduates, teachers, and senior citizens in a unique educational program in which classroom learning is supplemented by extensive hands-on experience in oceanographic research at sea. She left SEA in 1995 to become the resident director of a National Undersea Research Center on Lee Stocking Island in the Bahamas. Dr. Prager is currently with the U.S. Geological Survey where she splits her time between scientific research on sediment movement and coral reefs, and public education. Dr. Prager is well published in scientific journals, public-oriented magazines, and has recently written a children’s book for the National Geographic Society. She is an active member of professional science organizations, frequently gives talks at national meetings, is a Fellow of the Explorer’s Club, and is on the Board of Trustees for the National Marine Sanctuaries and Reserves Foundation. During 1998, the International Year of the Ocean (YOTO), Dr. Prager is leading the National Oceanographic Partnership Program’s Project YOTO Drifters, an internet-based endeavor to partner research, education, and technology for the benefit of both scientists and educators. She was also a science judge for the finals of the first-ever National Ocean Science Bowl, and co-chaired the subcommittee on research, exploration, and education for the recent National Oceans Conference over which President Clinton and Vice President Gore presided.
Dr. Prager has recently begun to focus her efforts on working with the media to promote ocean science, education, and exploration. She has hosted broadcasts for Project Oceanography, a program televised nationally within schools, written commentary for international journals, and advises journalists on marine-related topics.
