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Custom Coastal Outreach

Tag: History

  • Women’s History Month: Dr. Cindy Lee Van Dover

    Dr. Cindy Lee Van Dover is indeed an extraordinary figure in the field of deep-sea biology and oceanography. Her groundbreaking research and achievements have expanded our understanding of one of the most mysterious and least explored ecosystems on Earth—the deep-sea hydrothermal vent communities. She is a true pioneer who has not only contributed to our scientific knowledge but has also made history as a trailblazer for women in ocean exploration and science.

    Her journey into the depths of the oceans began with that first expedition to the chemosynthetic ecosystems of the East Pacific Rise in 1982, which sparked her passion for the deep sea. Over her career, she has contributed immensely to the discovery and understanding of benthic invertebrates, some of the most resilient and fascinating creatures on Earth. Her expertise in the biodiversity, biogeography, and connectivity of these organisms has reshaped how we think about life in the deep ocean, especially in the extreme conditions found around hydrothermal vents.

    Dr. Van Dover’s work with the submersible ALVIN is particularly remarkable. As the first and only female pilot of this deep-diving vehicle, she has spent a significant portion of her career exploring the ocean floor and studying its unique ecosystems. Her deep familiarity with ALVIN—so much so that she authored the manual for its operation—is a testament to her skill and dedication. The fact that she has conducted 48 dives in ALVIN, many of them to uncharted territories, is an incredible achievement and highlights her courage and expertise.

    Her contributions to science aren’t just confined to research; she has also written the first-ever textbook on hydrothermal vent communities, published extensively in prominent scientific journals, and curated the traveling exhibit Beyond the Edge of the Sea, making deep-sea science accessible to the public. Dr. Van Dover’s role in the education and public outreach side of her work has helped bridge the gap between cutting-edge scientific research and broader public awareness, something crucial for fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the ocean’s mysteries.

    At Duke University, her current role as the Harvey Smith Professor of Biological Oceanography and Chair of the Division of Marine Science and Conservation further establishes her as a leader in the academic and scientific community. Her achievements as the first woman to hold the title of Director at the Duke University Marine Laboratory underscore her position as a mentor and role model for aspiring scientists, particularly women, in a field historically dominated by men.

    Dr. Cindy Van Dover’s legacy is one of groundbreaking scientific discovery, leadership, and inspiration. She has set the standard for future generations of deep-sea researchers, and her pioneering work continues to inspire those passionate about the ocean and its ecosystems. She is not only advancing the field of biological oceanography but is also showing the world the importance of exploration and conservation of our planet’s most remote environments.

    https://alchetron.com/Cindy-Lee-Van-Dover

    https://web.whoi.edu/womens-comm/cindy-van-dover-just-by-asking-i-could-live-my-dream/

  • Women’s History Month: Dr. Sylvia Earle

    Dr. Sylvia Earle is indeed an extraordinary figure in marine science and ocean conservation. Her lifelong commitment to understanding and protecting the ocean has made her one of the most influential environmentalists of our time. As a pioneering marine biologist and oceanographer, her passion for the ocean and its ecosystems has not only advanced scientific research but has also inspired generations of people to care about the health of our planet.

    Dr. Earle graduated high school at 16, college at 19, had a masters degree in botany by the time she was 20, and later went on to receive her PhD in botany as well. She focused a large portion of her studies on different algal species in the Gulf of Mexico and their benefits to the environment. Over her very long and astounding career she has written more than 200 publications, educated in almost 100 countries, and guided hundreds of underwater expeditions totaling over 7,000 hours under the surface. She has even free walked along the sea floor 1,250ft below sea level, a depth that no one else has ever walked at!

    Her work with Mission Blue, particularly in establishing Hope Spots, is a testament to her dedication to safeguarding the oceans. These areas, which she has identified as critical for the protection of marine biodiversity, are aimed at creating a global network of protected areas where ecosystems can thrive, ensuring that marine life can continue to survive in a rapidly changing world. Through this initiative, Dr. Earle is working to combat the devastating impacts of climate change, overfishing, and pollution on the world’s oceans.

    Her achievements, from becoming the first woman to lead NOAA to her remarkable underwater explorations, showcase not only her intellectual and professional prowess but also her determination and perseverance. Dr. Earle’s legacy is a blueprint for future generations of scientists, conservationists, and everyday people who are inspired by her work to take action in protecting the ocean.

    Her nickname, “Her Deepness,” captures the essence of her life’s work—diving into the depths of the ocean, both literally and figuratively, to unlock its secrets, advocate for its preservation, and ultimately, ensure its future.

    https://marine-conservation.org/our-people/sylvia-a-earle/

    https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sylvia-Earle

    https://www.lowellmilkencenter.org/programs/projects/view/dr-sylvia-earle-her-deepness/hero

  • Women’s History Month: Marie Tharp

    Marie Tharp is such an incredible and often overlooked figure in science! Her story is a testament to perseverance and the importance of fighting for recognition, especially when faced with systemic biases. The fact that she was able to piece together the evidence for the theory of continental drift, despite the widespread dismissal of her ideas as “girl talk”, is nothing short of groundbreaking. She essentially mapped out the very foundation for our understanding of plate tectonics, which now forms the core of modern geology.

    It’s mind-blowing how her work with sonar data during World War II led to the discovery of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, and the way her efforts were overshadowed at first due to gender biases makes her achievements all the more impressive. Jacques Cousteau’s validation of her findings by filming the Mid-Atlantic Ridge with underwater cameras is a powerful reminder of how science sometimes works—slowly but surely, the truth eventually comes to light.

    Her perseverance in a field that was not only male-dominated but also dismissive of women at the time shows how resilience can break down barriers. It’s inspiring to think about how her work continues to shape our understanding of the Earth’s geology today.

    Do you find Marie Tharp’s story motivating in your own pursuits? Or are there other scientists whose work you find especially inspiring?

    https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/marie-tharp-map-ocean-floor

    https://web.whoi.edu/womens-comm/marie-tharp-pioneering-mapmaker-of-the-ocean-floor/

    https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/seeing-believing-how-marie-tharp-changed-geology-forever-180960192

  • About Emily Evans, Founder

    I graduated from Texas A&M University at Galveston with a degree in Ocean and Coastal Resources in 2004. This degree focused not only on the marine sciences (oceanography, geology, botany, biology, etc.), but also covered politics, economics, and law. This allowed for a wide perspective look at the sciences and how we can effectively manage our precious coastal resources. 

    At a time when most grads were going on to a career analyzing GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for oil companies, working towards graduate degrees, or working to get their Teacher Certifications, I landed my first job on Catalina Island as a Field Marine Science Instructor. This began a decade-long adventure that culminated in 7 years of working and living in La Paz, BCS, Mexico as a field instructor and later as a naturalist guide and custom trip planner. 

    I moved back to Texas in 2014 and somehow became a realtor. I did enjoy helping people buy their most precious coastal resource, their home; but I lacked passion and purpose. In the Fall of 2022, I obtained my OUPV (Operator of Un-Inspected Passenger Vessel, also known as the ‘6-pack’) and my Master 100-ton Captains’ licenses. I have been taking people out on my 20’ whaler for eco-trips in Galveston. To supplement my income, I got two part-time jobs: one at the Coast Guard Exchange and one as the Marine Biologist aboard GHF’s 50’ catamaran the SEAGULL II. From the moment I stepped onboard the SEAGULL II I was impressed, not only with the Captain and Crew but also the sheer quantity of ‘teachable moments’ illustrated by the examples within sight from the dock. The SEAGULL II can bring kids face-to-face with the beauty and joy found exploring the Galveston ship channel. 

    I created Custom Coastal Outreach because I believe that bringing together a vast network of people that are passionate about our coast, our children, our future, and our opportunities as a thriving port city we can benefit by exploring solutions to significant challenges that our area is sure to face in the coming years.