Ocean Pioneers
Betty Bunce
Betty Bunce was a fearless oceanographer whose seismic research shook the seafloor and scientific norms—pioneering deep-sea exploration and shattering barriers for women in ocean science.
Athelstan Spilhaus
A WHOI oceanographer, engineer, and futurist whose impact on science stretched from the deep sea to outer space.
Lauren Mullineaux
Lauren Mullineaux researchers how larvae disperse and settle in the deep sea, but her impact extends far beyond the sea floor.
Susan Humphris
Susan Humphris, marine geochemist and science communicator, pioneered research on hydrothermal vents and championed experiential education in oceanography.
Mary Sears
Mary Sears was a trailblazing marine biologist whose oceanographic intelligence turned the tide of WWII in the Pacific and helped shape modern naval science
Marie Tharp
Marie Tharp was a pioneering geologist and cartographer who mapped the ocean floor and revealed plate tectonics—redefining Earth science.
Larry Madin
Among the first researchers to use blue water SCUBA diving and marine submersibles to study ocean plankton
Jim Ledwell
Known for his contributions to understanding of ocean circulation and mixing through tracer release experiments
