Fahima is a PhD candidate in Climatology, Risk, and Environment at the National High School of Marine Sciences and Coastal Management (ENSSMAL) in Algeria. She holds specialized credentials, including a Postgraduate Certificate in Ocean Bathymetry from the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping-Joint Hydrographic Center in the USA. Fahima is dedicated to advancing deep-sea research in the southern Mediterranean, a region where the field is still emerging. She joined the ATD program to sharpen her vision and grow as a leader, seeking guidance on the critical challenges she faces: navigating scientific, political, and institutional barriers in her region. The training equipped her with practical strategies for adapting low-cost technologies to resource-limited settings. Fahima's ultimate aim is to contribute her cross-cultural perspective and enthusiasm to enhance deep-sea visibility and accessibility. She plans to use the strategic planning knowledge and skills gained during the program to begin planning for deep-sea expeditions after completing her PhD.

Fernando is a Marine Biologist and Scientific Researcher at Colombia’s Institute of Marine and Coastal Research (INVEMAR), where he serves as the curator of marine zooplankton collection in the Marine Natural History Museum of Colombia-MAKURIWA. He holds a Master of Science in marine ecosystem biodiversity and specializing in the planktonic communities that inhabit the epipelagic, mesopelagic, and bathypelagic zones conducting research on habitat mapping, biodiversity, connectivity, and exploration from 60 to 4200 meters. With over 12 years of experience on offshore research cruises and as an ROV pilot, he is deeply committed to the study of the deep ocean. Fernando joined the ATD program to champion a critical objective: expanding access to deep-sea research in developing countries by improving the cost and efficiency of current methods. His initial focus on zooplankton taxonomy broadened during the training into a practical pursuit of rapid, low-cost solutions for deep-sea data collection. His ultimate goal is to apply this knowledge to design and implement efficient deep-sea monitoring for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Colombia. He plans to actively share his new knowledge and techniques with colleagues at INVEMAR and partner institutions, strengthening the regional support network for ocean conservation.

Charlene is a PhD candidate at IFREMER in Brest. Her current research focuses on benthic seamount biodiversity, utilizing ROV images, and the associated mesopelagic community abundance, as determined by acoustics in New Caledonia. She holds a Master's in Marine Science from the University of the South Pacific, where she previously worked on pearl oyster aquaculture in Fiji. Driven by a passion for growth in this relatively new field, Charlene joined the ATD program to enhance her capacity as a deep-sea scientist. She gained specific insights to overcome difficulties, such as data analysis and statistics, thereby transforming her ability to process complex data. This training provided a strategy for publishing her work in the Pacific and making deep-sea research more accessible in the region. Charlene now aims to leverage this expanded knowledge and confidence to successfully apply for grants and job opportunities after completing her PhD.

Sarah is a Marine Biologist and Research Scientist at the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. Holding a Master of Science in Marine Science, she is actively focused on building capacity in deep-sea research and monitoring techniques to enhance the management and protection of the sanctuary's resources. One of her key interests is gaining knowledge to understand and mitigate the potential impacts of deep-sea mining, specifically sediment plumes and noise pollution, on local benthic ecosystems. Sarah joined the ATD program seeking mentorship to build a strong foundation for a meaningful contribution. The program, with its diversity of expert speakers, equipped her with an integrated perspective on technology, data management, and international cooperation. She plans to immediately apply this new knowledge during a deep-sea expedition she is joining next year. Her goal is to develop a comprehensive report on past explorations within the EEZ, leveraging her expanded skills to best serve deep-sea conservation efforts in American Samoa.

Osvaldo holds a PhD in Marine Science and is both a Professor at UABCS, Mexico, and the Coordinator of Biological Monitoring for the National Park of Revillagigedo. In this critical role, he leads research on monitoring rocky reefs, studying octocorals, and managing conservation efforts. He is currently one of the organizers of a multi-institutional workshop focused on assessing the vulnerability of Revillagigedo to climate change, in which they will design strategies to include the deep sea as a priority habitat. Osvaldo's primary objective is to address a critical data gap by obtaining information on the deep reef zones within the Revillagigedo protected natural area (PNA). He joined the ATD program with the specific goal of preparing to implement low-cost technology to explore these sites. Osvaldo valued the program's diverse speakers, gaining insight into how experts navigate complex obstacles in deep-sea research. This provided him with a strategic framework for accessible, impactful science.

Diego holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and recently worked as a Seafloor Mapping and Hydrography Intern with Ocean Exploration Trust, contributing to a deep-sea mapping expedition aboard the E/V Nautilus focused on charting unexplored areas around Howland and Baker Islands. Diego serves as the Vice Chair for the Marine Technology Society (MTS) Hawaii Section and was selected for the MTS 2024 EMERGE Program, recognizing emerging leaders in marine technology. Additionally, Diego has spent the last few years working as a Water Quality Buoy Field Technician for the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS), where he maintains coastal monitoring systems and supports long-term ocean observing efforts across Hawai‘i Island. Recognizing the importance of mentorship and continued growth, Diego joined the ATD program with the goal of developing a focused research project for future graduate studies. The training provided him with a deeper understanding of expedition planning and data management strategies – skills essential to advancing deep-sea exploration. Building on this foundation, Diego aims to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. that addresses key knowledge gaps in seafloor and deep-ocean research, ultimately contributing to broader scientific understanding and sustainable ocean stewardship.

Nover holds a Master of Arts in Environmental Studies, Specializing in Climate Change and currently works as a Weather Service Specialist and National Climate Officer at the National Weather Services Office (NWSO) in the Marshall Islands. Rooted in his experience from a Small Island Developing State, Nover is keenly interested in the critical connection between deep-sea exploration and climate resilience, sustainable development, and policy in Pacific Island nations. He joined the ATD program to deepen his scientific understanding and gain expert guidance. By learning from a diverse group of experts, Nover developed a strategic perspective on integrating deep-sea science with his local work. This shift empowers him to connect scientific data with community outreach and policy development. Nover's goal is to actively contribute his unique Pacific perspective to the world of deep-sea research. He aims to create space for local and traditional knowledge in deep-sea initiatives, ensuring that exploration and conservation efforts are culturally relevant and effective for his region.

Cara holds a Master of Science in Biology and serves as the Seagrass and Mangrove Conservation Coordinator for the Guam Coral Reef Initiative, Guam Department of Agriculture. Her participation in ATD has informed her understanding of emerging policy issues, such as offshore energy and deep-sea mining. Cara joined the ATD program with the specific goal of growing her deep-sea knowledge to address these critical management needs. She hopes to produce a concise and impactful policy brief by the end of the mentorship period to help her agency respond to deep-sea matters in Guam's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). She gained confidence and familiarity with the deep-sea community, shifting her focus from general research to applied policy action and community engagement. She has already leveraged her learnings from the ATD program, creating a deep-sea section in the recent “Gineftao: Understanding the Ocean, Honoring Our Home” special exhibit at the Guam Museum for the month of September 2025. The display featured videos, photos, and samples from recent deep-sea expeditions in the Mariana Islands, as well as other general information about deep-sea ecosystems and the Mariana Trench National Monument. Community leaders, fishers, students, and educators were among the many attendees at the opening night event and throughout the month.

Esther holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science and is currently a Master’s student of Fisheries Science and Technology at Memorial University of Newfoundland/Marine Institute. Her research focuses on the ecological characterization of the first discovered cold-water coral reef in the Galápagos Islands. She also serves as a volunteer research assistant with the Charles Darwin Foundation, working on deep-sea corals, fauna, and cold-water ecosystems in the Galápagos Marine Reserve. As an early-career researcher, Esther joined the ATD program to proactively gain guidance on using low-cost equipment for biodiversity and ecological studies, and to learn methodologies tailored to specific environmental conditions. The most impactful aspect of the course for her was discovering how different cultures and nationalities perceive and value the ocean. She also appreciated the program's emphasis on deep-sea protection, stewardship, and conducting research using low-cost technologies. She feels confident that the skills acquired through this training will support her professional growth and strengthen her ability to contribute to deep-sea research and communicate deep-sea science to a broader audience.

Beatriz is a Researcher at the University of Costa Rica and an independent consultant, holding a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Postgraduate Certificate in Science Communication. Her primary interest is developing a local deep-sea research platform in Costa Rica and pursuing a PhD. She joined the ATD program seeking strategic guidance on designing viable, fundable projects aligned with both global deep-sea priorities and local conservation needs. The training equipped her with specific expertise in structuring research proposals that effectively leverage spatial analysis. This means she can now use existing regional data to anticipate opportunities and design projects for exploring habitat mapping, biodiversity hotspots, or ecosystem connectivity. Beatriz is actively applying this knowledge to better position her career and future initiatives. Her goal is to develop spatially informed proposals, leveraging both low-cost technologies and upcoming ROV/HOV cruises, to build a lasting deep-sea research foundation in Costa Rica.

Itirangi is a Project Officer at Te Ipukarea Society, an environmental NGO in the Cook Islands, while simultaneously pursuing a Bachelor of Science. Their work focuses on environmental initiatives, particularly in raising public and governmental awareness about the potential impacts of deep-sea mining. This is a critical issue in the Cook Islands, which recently resulted in Itirangi receiving sponsorship from Greenpeace to attend the International Seabed Authority session in March 2025. Itirangi joined the ATD program to gain the specific skills and knowledge necessary to strengthen their advocacy and approach deep ocean exploration from a unique perspective: underwater cultural heritage as a Pacific Islander. Itirangi greatly valued the understanding that scientists around the world encounter significant logistical challenges but still manage to find innovative and resourceful ways to collect valuable data, even from the side of a kayak. This experience reinforced the validity of conducting creative, low-cost research. As a result, Itirangi now has the confidence and tools necessary to design effective deep-sea studies despite limited resources. They plan to immediately apply the training by using expedition planning tools in their current role. Looking ahead, Itirangi's ultimate goal is to conduct community-driven deep-sea research in the Cook Islands, directly informing policy and protecting their ocean heritage.

Amber is pursuing her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Guam. This summer, she completed an ROV Engineering internship aboard the RV Nautilus and serves on the World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council, where she creates outreach and educational content. With her university developing a Mechanical Engineering program in collaboration with the Colorado School of Mines, Amber looks forward to expanding her engineering training. Her passion lies in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and unsustainable coastal development affecting Guam’s marine environment, while preserving traditional relationships with the ocean. She joined the ATD program to gain technical skills for conservation and to explore how accessible technologies can support nearshore monitoring and deep-sea exploration. Amber especially valued connecting with like-minded individuals during the ATD program, which gave her a sense of belonging in the deep-sea research community. Although still early in her career, she feels grounded by the strong foundation she has built and is eager to expand her exposure to deep-sea science. Looking ahead, Amber plans to deepen her expertise in ocean engineering, secure research funding, and bring the tools, training, and knowledge back to Guam to strengthen marine conservation efforts and community-led data sharing.

María is a Biologist and PhD student at the National University of Córdoba, Argentina. Her research focuses on understanding the effects of climate change on Antarctic coastal benthic assemblages, employing a quantitative approach that integrates statistical and mathematical modeling. María joined the ATD program to bridge a critical gap in her training, actively seeking practical, field-based techniques to complement her modeling expertise. María's core research goal is to examine the deep-sea benthic ecosystems of Antarctica and the Drake Passage, specifically assessing the ecological connectivity and isolation between sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions, and evaluating the role of these environments as blue carbon ecosystems. She hopes to apply her new knowledge to join future expeditions and gain essential hands-on experience in sampling the deep sea, aiming to bridge practical field-based understanding with the complex quantitative models she develops. Ultimately, she aims for her research to inform science-based conservation strategies.

Amex Riqa Pitatogae is pursuing a Bachelor of Fisheries Studies at the Solomon Islands National University. He has built a strong foundation through hands-on coastal fieldwork and small research projects. His general research focus is in marine biology, oceanography, and fisheries management. He joined the ATD program to gain practical skills and understand how open-source and low-cost tools are developed for resource-limited settings, enabling him to address deep-sea challenges in the Pacific. The program equipped him with the knowledge to actively integrate these accessible technologies and improve their skills in study design and data analysis. He is dedicated to contributing cross-cultural perspectives by collaborating with diverse peers and advocating for equitable access to ocean sciences. His ultimate goal is to create inclusive, ethical, and impactful work that effectively uses accessible tools and improves deep-sea research by integrating vital community perspectives and local knowledge.

João holds a Master of Science in Animal Biology. His current PhD focuses on the systematics, biodiversity and biology of polychaete worms, particularly studying species distributions and evolutionary relationships in the southern coast of Brazil. João joined the ATD program with the clear goal of transitioning from shallow-water research to studying deep-sea annelids, aiming to integrate his taxonomic expertise into this relatively new field of research. He sought to expand his knowledge on planning and conducting deep-sea fieldwork, specifically learning about affordable sampling methods and how to work effectively in resource-limited settings. The program successfully equipped him with these concrete skills and strategic guidance on project development and international collaboration. ATD was impactful for João as it brought together a community of peers that turned deep-sea science from an abstract dream into a concrete plan. Using the curriculum, João reframed his taxonomy-focused work into a viable deep-sea biodiversity monitoring project for Brazil, one that is ready to apply accessible methods. His goal is to grow as a researcher and actively contribute to deep-sea biodiversity efforts in the Global South.

Jaime is a Marine Biologist with a Master of Science (Joint European Programme - U Basque Country, U Bordeaux, U Liège) in Marine Environment and Resources (MER+). He has a strong background in deep-sea ecology and organism identification. His expertise lies in underwater imaging technologies, and the taxonomy of deep-sea fauna, particularly holothurians and sponges, gained through previous research expeditions. Jaime's aim is to establish foundational deep-sea research in Caribbean coastal nations, beginning with the Dominican Republic, to produce baseline data, fauna catalogs, and science-based conservation information. The training equipped him to design and implement a systematic exploration phase. This means he can now confidently integrate initial observations and environmental data gathering using low-cost technology. This structured approach allows him to effectively identify deep-sea habitats, such as abyssal plains, canyons and seeps. His goal is to leverage this technical foundation to actively participate in future research expeditions and advance the conservation of Caribbean deep-sea ecosystems.

Melissa is an experienced professional in climate change, data analysis, and field surveys that support Marine Protected Areas and long-term programs in the Gulf of California and Revillagigedo National Park. Her current research focuses on deep ocean and vertical tropicalization, exploring how tropical species shift into deeper habitats due to climate change. Her motivation is to refine research methodologies and build connections to strengthen conservation and policy efforts. She joined the training seeking guidance on technologies for physicochemical monitoring, video transects, and in situ measurements to strengthen fieldwork and data analysis for monitoring strategies to inform conservation action. Melissa valued the opportunity to connect with mentors and peers who share a passion for deep-sea science. Having access to practical tools and new approaches helped her see how deep-ocean research can be carried out in more accessible and cost-effective ways. The program motivated her to connect the long-term monitoring she has conducted in shallow-water benthic ecosystems with deeper and less-explored habitats, creating a more comprehensive perspective on ecological changes across depth gradients. She is grateful for the inspiration and concrete skills that will enable her to continue contributing to deep-sea research. In the long term, she aims to use this foundation to contribute to conservation strategies and to inspire collaborations that make deep-sea science more inclusive and accessible.

Tracy is currently pursuing a Master of Ocean Leadership at the University of Western Australia. She previously worked as an Environmental and Social Safeguard framework project coordinator at the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and as the Marine Spatial Planning Officer for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), and leading the project to establish the Kavachi Seascape National Park. She conducted crucial stakeholder consultations and contributed to the development of the National Marine Spatial Plan. Driven by the Solomon Islands' profound cultural and survival connection to the ocean, Tracy sees her work as integral to her identity and duty. Prior to the ATD program, Tracy lacked experience in deep-sea research but was acutely concerned about the lack of local expertise and data to protect her nation’s vast deep ocean, including its threatened submarine volcanoes. She joined the program to gain essential technical skills in research methodology, accessible technology, deep-sea geology mapping, ecology, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). This training equipped her to move from policy planning to science-informed decision-making. Her ultimate goal is to apply this comprehensive knowledge to empower the country's leaders with scientific facts about the ocean’s future, ensuring the long-term protection of the Solomon Islands' deep-sea resources.

Veniana holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and currently serves as the Ocean Climate Coordinator for Conservation International in Fiji. In this crucial role, she collaborates with the Fiji Government, indigenous communities, and various partners to design and implement climate-resilient Marine Protected Area (MPA) management plans for the Lau Seascape. Veniana's main interests are the impacts of climate change, MPA management challenges, and the lack of accessible, low-cost technology for deep-sea exploration in Fiji. She joined the ATD program to proactively address this by gaining the specific knowledge and technical skills to advance deep-sea exploration using accessible, low-cost technologies. Veniana's core mission is to bridge the knowledge gap about deep ocean science in Fiji. She will utilize her refined technical expertise to better advocate for science-based policies and inform sustainable ocean management, recognizing that local communities are crucial to the long-term success of marine conservation.