connecting people
&
connecting oceans
Our primary mission is to catalyze engagement among ocean-focused and ocean- adjacent scholars across the Harvard community. There are Harvard scholars whose work touches upon the ocean in nearly every School. We aim to catalyze engagement by supporting scholarly activities, such as helping identify funds to support transdisciplinary research, supporting students and early career scientists through bespoke education and mentoring, and facilitating cross-disciplinary discussions and events.
The ocean has shaped human social, cultural, and biological evolution. Its influence can be seen in literature, art, philosophy, political science, and music. The ocean is also key to the health of our biosphere. We hope to work with you to illuminate the inextricable ties between ocean science and human culture.
Pete Girguis
Head Cheerleader
Pete is a professor at Harvard University and an adjunct at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. His work focuses on understanding how microbes and animals have adapted to life in the sea, and to our changing world. He founded Ocean Scholars @ Harvard, and organizes and coordinates cross-field and inter- university/institute seminars. In addition to his love of the ocean, he enjoys the art and science of blacksmithing.
Aaron Hartmann
Grant Wizard
Aaron is a Principal Investigator and Lecturer in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology. His work focuses on coral reef ecology and restoration technology. Aaron is part of the Ocean Scholars @ Harvard leadership team, and serves as our “grant wizard”. Aaron is also leading our efforts to create opportunities for undergraduate students to engage with Ocean Scholars. In addition to his research, Aaron enjoys playing guitar, hiking, and anything that gets him out on water.
Zane Wolf
Code Guru
Zane is a recent graduate of the Lauder Lab. Her work focused on developing and characterizing soft robotic models of undulatory locomotion in fishes, but she has also published papers on neutron star astrophysics and conducted research projects in several other fields of study. Zane is most passionate about teaching, with interests in science communication and data visualization.