Guggenheim is president of 1planet1ocean, a project of The Ocean Foundation, and a former vice president for conservation policy at The Ocean Conservancy. He has almost 25 years of multidisciplinary experience in environmental research, policy analysis, advocacy and environmental education. He is currently conducting the “50 years – 50 States – 50 Speeches Expedition,” a journey of outreach and education to schools in all states and territories. Through his presentations, he shares firsthand accounts, stories, humor, passion and important lessons about the oceans and their conservation. His presentations cover the seven essential principles of ocean literacy as defined by the Ocean Literacy Network, including the facts that the ocean and humans are inextricably linked and that the ocean is largely unexplored. The expedition is hoped to create a wave or renewed interest in the oceans by its next generation of explorers, scientists and stewards.

VI-EPSCoR’s Program Coordinator Nicolas Drayton said the tour will enthuse and challenge students. “Hopefully this Celebrity Scientists Tour will inspire students who are still considering options in terms of careers in the science disciplines,” Drayton said. The visiting scientists are experts in their field and each has committed to mentoring at least two students who show particular interest and potential in the scientists’ areas of expertise. The scientists will provide networking opportunities, academic guidance, and information on workshops and conferences to their protégés.

“I feel very gratified because this initiative is coming at a time when there is increased concern about the recruitment and retention of Virgin Islanders in the science disciplines,” Drayton said. “We have an exciting line-up of celebrity scientists from local, national and international arenas. The list is still being finalized,” he said. Along with having more students interested in the sciences, the program should also help students to improve their grades in the sciences as they are motivated to apply themselves more.

The first phase of the 12-month tour will be held from April 20 to May 21.

VI-EPSCoR, a territorial program housed at UVI,  builds the territory's capacity for scientific research and education. It is funded by a five-year $11.5 million Research Infrastructure Improvement grant from the National Science Foundation.

For more information about the tour, Dr. Guggenheim’s public presentation, or to get a school involved in the tour, contact Nicolas Drayton at 693-1239 or ndrayto@uvi.edu.

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