Elizabeth Blackburn
Elizabeth Blackburn, Ph.D., won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for her seminal discoveries of telomeres and the enzyme telomerase. Her groundbreaking research illuminated the structure and function of telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that are essential for preserving genetic information during cell division. Dr. Blackburn's co-discovery of telomerase, an enzyme that replenishes telomere ends, was a monumental advancement in the field of molecular biology. Her work has profound implications for understanding aging, cancer, and numerous age-related diseases. Dr. Blackburn is an esteemed educator who takes great pride in mentoring the next generation of scientists.
David Gruber
Dr. David Gruber is a Marine Biologist and the Founder and President of Project CETI, the Cetacean Translation Initiative. Project CETI is a nonprofit, interdisciplinary scientific and conservation initiative that aims to use machine learning and linguistic analysis to understand and decode sperm whale vocalizations. The project's ultimate goals are to decode and understand sperm whale communication, make the project's findings accessible to the public, use the team's discoveries to promote conservation efforts and explore how technology can be used as a tool to help humans more fully connect with nature.
Sherri Mason
Dr. Sherri A. (“Sam”) Mason holds a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Montana and is a leading researcher in freshwater plastic pollution. She was the first to identify the presence of microplastics and microfibers in freshwater systems, notably the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system in the world. Through her work, Dr. Mason has raised global awareness about the far-reaching impact of microplastics on ecosystems, the food chain, and human health. Dr. Mason’s research and advocacy have led to the passage of international legislation banning the use of microbeads.
Story Musgrave
In August 1967, Story Musgrave was selected by NASA to be among the first cohort of astronaut-scientists. He holds seven graduate degrees in math, computer science, chemistry, medicine, physiology, literature, and psychology. Dr. Musgrave served as a part-time trauma surgeon during his 30-year career with NASA, flew on six spaceflights, was instrumental in the design of spacesuits, life support systems, airlocks, and manned maneuvering units used for spacewalks, performed the first shuttle spacewalk on Challenger's maiden flight, piloted an astronomy mission, and played a pivotal role in the development and deep-space repair of the Hubble Space Telescope.
Merlin Sheldrake
Merlin Sheldrake, Ph.D., stands as a leading figure in the exploration, discovery, documentation, conservation, and preservation of fungi. A biologist and author renowned for his pioneering research, Dr. Sheldrake has significantly advanced our understanding of the fungal kingdom. His work emphasizes the crucial role fungi play in ecosystems, including their symbiotic relationships with plants and their ability to decompose organic matter, thereby cycling nutrients and maintaining soil health. In this groundbreaking work, he reveals how fungi connect and support the natural world, highlighting their importance in addressing global environmental challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss.
Steven Wofsy
Dr. Steven Wofsy is an atmospheric and hydrospheric scientist named the Abbott Lawrence Rotch Professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Science at Harvard University. Dr. Wofsy's research over many years has been motivated by the need for scientific information and analysis to make wise decisions on the future development and conservation of the world's resources. Most recently, Dr. Wofsy served as the principal investigator on the project MethaneSAT, an advanced methane-tracking satellite capable of measuring methane emissions virtually anywhere on Earth. MethaneSAT is a powerful and groundbreaking tool that buys us critical years in the fight against climate change.