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From the Archives

In this 1960 photo, Mary Sears is surrounded by papers and biological samples in her Bigelow Laboratory office. Sears was the first recipient of the original Woman Pioneer in Oceanography Award when it was initiated in 1994. Mary Sears passed away in September 1997 and in December 1999 the award was renamed the Mary Sears Woman Pioneer in Oceanography Award in her honor. The award recognizes long-term, life achievement and impact, with special consideration given to candidates who also have shown leadership through mentoring junior scientists, technicians, or students.(Photo courtesy of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Archives)