Mote President and CEO becomes SCUBAnauts International Board member
Dr. Michael P. Crosby, Ph.D., President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory, has joined the Board of Directors of SCUBAnauts International, which was founded by Capt. David Olson (USN, Ret) in Palm Harbor, Fla. in May of 2001 in an effort to introduce young men and women to informal science education through underwater exploration.
Crosby came to Mote following his appointments as Associate Vice President for Research and Economic Development at George Mason University, and Vice Chancellor for Research at the University of Hawai’i - Hilo. Prior to those appointments, he served in a federal Senior Executive Service position as Executive Director of the National Science Board in Washington, DC; the Senior Advisor for International Science Policy; Executive Director for the Science Advisory Board of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); and National Research Coordinator for NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries and National Estuarine Research Reserve System.
Crosby obtained an M.S. in Biology, with honors, from Old Dominion University and a Ph.D. in Marine-Estuarine-Environmental Sciences at the University of Maryland. Crosby is currently on the Boards of, and has served as President for, several national and international science societies.
In May 2013, after serving for three years as Mote’s Senior Vice President for Research, Mote’s Board of Trustees appointed Crosby as President and CEO of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
"I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Michael Crosby as a Board member for SCUBAnauts International,” said Jim Cassick, President and CEO of SCUBAnauts International. “The addition of Dr. Crosby will further strengthen our marine science education mission to inspire our youth to make a positive impact on our environment."
Each summer for the past four years, Mote Marine Laboratory partnered with SNI and the Combat Wounded Veteran Challenge for coral restoration efforts of Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis), an endangered coral species. In July 2015, more than 50 divers planted some 250 fragments of staghorn coral in Mote’s special restoration site near Looe Key.
“I am honored and excited to serve as a Board member of SCUBAnauts International,” said Mote President & CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby. “This organization’s goals coincide with Mote’s mission of using science, research and education to address the profound challenges marine ecosystems face worldwide. Through “hands-on” research experiences that the SCUBAnauts gain in partnership with Mote scientists, we are not only enhancing their overall ocean and science literacy, but also restoring our coral reef ecosystems together. When Mote’s new, state-of-the-technology research facility on Summerland Key opens in 2017, Mote and SCUBAnauts International will have an even greater impact in conservation of long-term sustainable use of our ocean resources. I am pleased to help the outstanding young men and women of SCUBAnauts International, who represent some of the best in the next generation of ocean conservation leaders.”
About SCUBAnauts International
SCUBAnauts began in 2001 with six dedicated teenagers (Andrew, Brynn, Jennifer, Julie, Ryan and Alex), each of whom were certified in Basic Open Water SCUBA by YMCA SCUBA Instructor Jeff Paine in May 2001. As part of Capt. Olson’s quest for these SCUBAnauts to use SCUBA while learning about the marine environment, several local marine scientists were contacted to support and assist in this endeavor. These connections contributed to what SCUBAnauts is today.
The mission of SNI is to guide young men and women, ages 12 through 18, along an exciting pathway for personal development by involving them in the marine sciences through underwater marine research activities such as special environmental and undersea conservation projects that builds character, promotes active citizenship, and develops effective leadership skills. Learn more at scubanautsintl.org.
About Mote Marine Laboratory
Founded in 1955, Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is celebrating its 60th year as an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 research organization. Mote’s beginnings date back six decades to the passion of a single researcher, Dr. Eugenie Clark, her partnership with the community and philanthropic support, first of the Vanderbilt family and later of the William R. Mote family.
Today, Mote is based in Sarasota, Fla., with field stations in eastern Sarasota County and the Florida Keys and a scientific team that conducts research on the oceans surrounding all seven of the Earth’s continents.
Mote’s 25 research programs are dedicated to today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans, with an emphasis on world-class research relevant to the conservation and sustainability of our marine resources. Mote’s vision also includes positively impacting public policy through science-based outreach and education. Showcasing this research is Mote Aquarium, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year. Learn more at mote.org.