Kali Chan Director of Medicine Media Relations | Stony Brook University News
Kali Chan Director of Medicine Media Relations | Stony Brook University News
Ellen K. Pikitch, PhD, a professor at Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), has been honored with the 2024 Lowell Thomas Award. This award is presented by The Explorers Club to recognize excellence in exploration fields. Pikitch was nominated by explorer Sylvia Earle.
The Lowell Thomas Award, named after the renowned broadcast journalist and explorer, is an annual recognition given to distinguished explorers for their contributions. Previous recipients include Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, Kathy Sullivan, Sir Edmund Hillary, Kris Thompkins, and E.O. Wilson.
Paul Shepson, Dean of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Studies, commented on Pikitch's dedication: “Professor Pikitch has worked tirelessly for decades on ocean conservation issues,” he said. “How gratifying that her passion and dedication in service to the world’s oceans has been recognized with this prestigious award.”
Pikitch holds an endowed professorship in Ocean Conservation Science and serves as executive director of the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science. Her research focuses on marine protected areas (MPAs), fish conservation and fisheries sustainability, ecosystem-based fishery management, and endangered fishes.
Her career includes seven years with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), where she developed field research operations across 18 countries over four ocean basins and led several successful ocean policy campaigns. Recently, she was lead investigator for The DataXplorer™, a solar-powered craft used for underwater data collection.
Internationally recognized for her contributions to public policy as Ocean Science Lead for the United Nations 10×20 Initiative and Special Envoy to Palau, Pikitch remains active as a Fellow of The Explorers Club. Her accolades include the Hope Spot Champion award, Oscar E. Sette award, Ocean Hero award, among others.
The Explorers Club was founded in 1904 as a professional society dedicated to advancing field research and scientific exploration globally.
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