A professor and researcher in microbial oceanography, Smith was selected by AGU to join the first cohort of fellows in its LANDInG Academy—recognition for being a campus leader and a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion in the geosciences. David came to GSO in 1997 and now serves as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Phillips (Ph.D. 2016), now an assistant professor in URI’s Department of Ocean Engineering, wants to push the limits of technology by creating robotics for ocean exploration that are smaller, lighter and more affordable. He recently developed a miniature deep-sea camera system and the world’s smallest fiber-optic reel system.

“I want to make sure that policymakers know what science has to offer so they can try to make better and informed decisions for the environment.”
Nina Santos (M.S. 2020), who recently started her doctorate in ecological sciences, wants to explore the connections between science and policy.

“In 1984, together with professor Lewis Alexander from the University of Rhode Island, Sherman came up with the concept of ‘large marine ecosystems.’”
Ken Sherman (M.S. 1959) retired from NOAA Fisheries in 2019 after 60 years of service, and received many career honors for his contributions to fisheries science.

“The fundamental passion for me is facilitating equitable access to scientific information.”
Sunshine Menezes (Ph.D. 2005) is the Executive Director of the Metcalf Institute
and frequently lectures and conducts workshops about the importance of equitable science communication, working with the news media, and how to become a more effective and inclusive science communicator.

“Steve’s work into the unexplored world is fundamentally collaborative. The more he can work with other scientists investigating similar themes, the more it will inform his research, and the more he’ll learn. And that, for Steve, is the ultimate goal.” Professor Steven D’Hondt is a geomicrobiologist whose work explores the fundamental limits to life on Earth.

“One of my favorite things is putting together a display of books and articles in honor of a GSO person who has retired or passed away, to highlight his or her work.” Joyce Downey, Coordinator of Library Services, has assisted countless students, faculty and staff at GSO’s Pell Marine Science Library for over 21 years.

“With my new degree I hope to build my career, get involved in more research and, if possible, propose my own research interests so I can ascend to a higher level.” Berta Borneo is the first international student to earn a Master of Oceanography (M.O.) degree from GSO and now works with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in Indonesia.

“I think the biggest challenge—not for me, really, but for oceanography—is finding our path forward to use our knowledge to make a difference in the world.” In 2020, Peter de Menocal (M.S. 1986) was selected as the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution’s new President & Director.

“Fish launched sound-collecting expeditions in an era when some institutions still banned women from ocean voyages.” Marie Poland Fish found the field of marine bioacoustics and, with her husband Charles, established a marine lab at URI, which would become GSO.