There is much to be learned from the sea. Many of us here in Maine are aware of the obvious resources provided by the ocean. What we may not realize is that schoolchildren and scientists the world over are benefitting from marine research and education being done right here in our great state. Some of this research has a direct impact on human health. We hope you enjoy our conversations with Alan Lishness and Dr. Graham Shimmield about the Deep Blue Sea.
Graham Shimmield graduated from the University of Durham in Geology in 1981, and received a Ph.D. in Marine Geochemistry from the University of Edinburgh in 1985. Currently, he holds the position of Executive Director and President of the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, since March 2008. Graham’s particular interest is in marine geochemistry, which includes the fundamental studies of geochemical processes operating in ancient oceans through identifying indicators of ocean and climate change (palaeoceanography), the biogeochemical cycling of modern oceans using naturally-occurring radioisotopes, and examining human impacts and contamination in coastal and deep seas. Since arriving in Maine, Graham is serving on the boards of the Maine Innovation Economy Advisory Board, Maine Space Grant and Maine Sea Grant, and advisory boards for Maine Maritime Academy and Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory. Very recently (Feb 2013) he has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the Consortium for Ocean Leadership. In November 2011, Graham was named by MaineBiz as one of ten “Nexters” helping to shape the future of Maine’s economy.
Alan Lishness serves as Chief Innovation Officer for Gulf of Maine Research Institute, where he has been employed since 1988. His responsibilities include the design, funding and implementation of innovative programs that utilize computing and communications technologies to engage students and the public. Since 1993, he has served as a Principal Investigator for programs funded by NASA and the U.S. Department of Commerce, and presently serves as a Co-investigator for a research project funded by the National Science Foundation. He currently manages operations for the Cohen Center for Interactive Learning, an immersive science-engagement program that welcomes every fifth or sixth-grader in Maine to GMRI. He enjoys family events, travel and making things.
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