Ocean First Education to Host Webinar on Integrating Robotics into Marine Science on Tuesday, May 17

Boulder, Colo., — May 12 2016 — Ocean First Education will host a free webinar on Tuesday, May 17 that will explore how robotics can be integrated into marine science. The webinar features Andrew Thaler, a robotics specialist who uses drones and underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in his research. The event begins at 10 a.m. MST.
 
The webinar will cover advances in drones and ROVs and how these tools are used in marine conservation research. Thaler, who earned a doctorate in marine science and conservation from Duke University, will talk about his conservation work in the Chesapeake Bay, and provide information on training programs for students. Dr. Caine Delacy, director of science and research for Ocean First Education, will host the event.
 
Thaler is one of the early career scientists supported by Ocean First Education. As technology grows and new tools are invented, Thaler works to integrate these tools into marine conservation efforts. He sees opportunity in integrating low-cost robotic platforms, such as drones and ROVs, into marine science and conservation programs.

Ocean First Education encourages teachers and students, and anyone interested in learning more about robotics used in marine science to join this webinar. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the event.

Register for this free webinar today by clicking here.

About Andrew Thaler
Andrew Thaler is a deep sea ecologist and population geneticist working at the intersection of science, conservation and the open-source technology movement. His primary research is in the consequences of human impacts on biodiversity and connectivity in the deep sea. He earned a Ph.D. in marine science and conservation from Duke University, where his thesis focused on the environmental impacts of deep sea mining on hydrothermal vent communities in the western Pacific. He is a visiting scientist at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, where he is investigating the consequences of overfishing on the population genetics of several shark species and developing a broad capability aerial drone for ecology and conservation work in the Chesapeake Bay.
 
About Caine Delacy
As the Director of Science and Research at Ocean First Education, Caine Delacy, Ph.D., aligns educational efforts with current scientific research. Dr. Delacy’s background as a marine ecologist focuses on understanding the structure and function of reef fish communities and the role Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other management strategies play in conserving these communities. He has studied tropical and temperate reefs throughout the world, focusing largely on the East African coastline. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Western Australia, and became a divemaster at age 20.
 
About Ocean First Education
Founded in 2008 and based in Boulder, Colorado, Ocean First Education provides innovative and dynamic digital marine science curricula for K-12. Our team of educators, scientists and researchers are committed to increasing awareness of marine environments and engaging students through interactive experiences. Ocean First Education is grounded in its mission to inspire our students, teachers and community to become stewards of the sea. For more information, visit www.OceanFirstEducation.com.

 
 

Contact Information

Michelle Baum

Media Relations

Moxie Mettle

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michelle@moxiemettle.com