- Sylvia Earle
- Explorer in Residence
National Geographic
Called “Her Deepness” by the New Yorker and New York Times, Sylvia Earle is a marine biologist, author, lecturer, scientific consultant, the National Geographic Society's 1998 Explorer in Residence, Director of the Sustainable Seas Expeditions, Spokesperson for SeaWeb, Founder and Chairman of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research and formerly Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Her research concerns the ecology of marine ecosystems with special reference to marine plants, and the development of technology for access and research in the deep sea. She serves on the board of Dresser Industries Inc., Oryx Energy Inc., and various non-profit organizations including The Smithsonian Institution, World Resources Institute, Center for Marine Conservation, Natural Resources Defense Council, Explorer’s Club, the Lindbergh Foundation, Divers Alert Network, New England Aquarium, Univ. of Rhode Island Grad. School of Oceanography, Duke Univ. Marine Laboratory and the Council for SEA and World Wildlife Fund. Concerned about the deterioration she has observed in the ocean during more than 6,000 hours of diving, coupled with an awareness that most of the world’s oceans remain unexplored, she has become an active advocate of exploration, research and protection of living marine ecosystems. Holder of several diving records, author of more than 100 scientific, technical, and popular publications (including the 1995 book Sea Change) and leader of more than 50 expeditions, Dr. Earle has a B.S. from F.S.U., M.A. and Ph.D. from Duke Univ. and ten honorary doctorates. Honors include the Netherlands Order of the Golden Ark, Dept. of Interior's Conservation Service Award, SWG Gold Medal, Radcliffe College Alumnae Assoc. Medal, Boston Museum of Science Washburn Award, New England Aquarium David Stone Medal, Explorer Club’s 1996 Medal and 1980 Lowell Thomas Award, American Academy of Achievement Golden Plate Award, and in 1997, the Sea Space Environmental Award, Bal de la Mer Sea Keeper Award, Kilby Award and MTS Compass Award. She lives in Oakland, California and oceans everywhere.
