• Edith Widder

    Distinguished Explorer 2015

    Dr. Edith Widder | 2015

Edith Widder2015 Distinguished Explorer Announced

Dr. Edith Widder, a deep-sea explorer and conservationist, has been selected as the 2015 recipient of the Roy Chapman Andrews Society’s Distinguished Explorer Award.  A bioluminescence specialist, Dr. Widder is a world leader in helping to design and invent new submersible instrumentation and equipment for deep-sea observations.

A certified Scientific Research Pilot for Atmospheric Diving Systems, she is qualified to dive the deep diving suit WASP and the single-person untethered submersibles DEEP ROVER and DEEP WORKER and has made over 250 dives in the JOHNSON-SEA-LINK submersibles.  Dr. Widder is in the Women Diver’s Hall of Fame and is a recipient of a 2006 MacArthur “Genius” award.

Edith Widder will visit Beloit April 20th to receive the Roy Chapman Andrews Society’s Distinguished Explorer Award.

Distinguished Explorer Award Presentation

  • Friday, March 20, 2015
  • 4:30 p.m.
  • Eaton Chapel, Beloit College
  • FREE!  (bring the kids!)

    Edith Widder Presentation titled “The Kraken Revealed: The Story Behind Finding the Giant Squid”

    Dr. Widder will discuss her research and discoveries in the field of bioluminescence, oceanographic, research and technological innovation.

    Her innovations, in addition to documenting the giant squid, have produced footage of rare sharks, jellyfish, and crustaceans as well as a new species of large squid. In 2012, her innovations led to the first recordings of the giant squid, Architeuthis, in its natural habitat during the award presentation.

The program is free and open to the public.

Edith Widder Award Acceptance & Presentation

School Program:

10:30 a.m.
Beloit Memorial High School

Dr. Widder will discuss her work with area youth in an assembly at Beloit Memorial High School in a presentation titled “Best Job in the World.”

Edith Widder - Beloit Memorial

We’ve only explored about five percent of our oceans.
There are great discoveries yet to be made down there.

More About Edith Widder

Dr. Widder is a biologist, conservationist, educator, writer, and public speaker who combines expertise in oceanographic research and technological innovation with a commitment to reversing the worldwide trend in marine ecosystem degradation.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Widder earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Tufts University and master’s degree in Biochemistry and Ph.D. in Neurobiology from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

She has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed scientific publications and produced numerous educational materials including “The Bioluminescence Coloring Book”.

Professional Accomplishments

Dr. Widder’s research has been featured in BBC, PBS, Discovery Channel and National Geographic television productions.

In 2005, in order to help protect the ocean she loves, Dr. Widder co-founded the Ocean Research & Conservation Association, a not-for-profit group dedicated to the study and protection of marine ecosystems and the species they sustain through development of innovative technologies and science-based conservation action.

Orca Website

Edith Widder TED Talks

CBS Morning

Beloit College 2015

The Kraken Revealed!