Sylvia Alice Earle, 2003 Women of Discovery Sea Award

""Curiosity is a wonderful trait in both young people and scientists. Never stop being curious and never be afraid to ask questions."" — Sylvia Alice Earle

Marine Scientist

Born: 1935-01-01

Hometown: Gibbstown, New Jersey

Education: PhD in Botany

Achievements

Discoveries: Every dive brings a new discovery!

Expeditions: More than 100 explorations of the oceans

Biography

Scientist, inventor and explorer extraordinaire, Sylvia Earle holds records for the deepest unassisted dive, for living underwater, and for piloting submersibles she built and designed to make new discoveries on the ocean floor. She is currently leading an international effort to save the oceans. Dr. Earle served for two years as chief scientist of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration. In 1992, she founded Deep Ocean Exploration and Research, now DOER Marine Operations, an ocean engineering firm which designs, operates, supports, and consults on manned and robotic sub-sea systems. In addition to serving as Chairperson of her company, she is the leader of Sustainable Seas Expeditions, adjunct scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, and a member of various boards, foundations, and committees dealing with marine research, policy, and conservation. Her numerous honors include the prestigious United Nations Environment Award, the Explorers Club Lowell Thomas Award, and the Director's Award of the National Resources Council. She is also the recipient of honorary degrees at eleven universities and colleges in addition to the B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees she earned at Florida State and Duke Universities.

Read Sylvia's Bio from the Academy Of Achievement; A Museum of Living History

Fun Facts

Favorite Item to have in the field: A submersible ship and flippers

Heroes: My mother, Alice Earle