About Dr. Deborah Brosnan
Dr.
Deborah Brosnan is passionate about science and the oceans. She is on the
front lines, as a strong advocate for the use of science in conservation
decisions, and as a catalyst for biologists to participate in the global
forum. Connecting science with communities is her goal.
She is the founder and president of Sustainable Ecosystems Institute (SEI). SEI is a leader in engaging scientists, governments, the private and public sectors to work together, and use science to reach sustainable solutions. Dr. Brosnan has recruited 250 of the nation's top scientists to SEI's Conservation Science Network, managed millions in funds, and directed major efforts including everglades restoration, endangered species, marine reserves, and Northwest conservation and Missouri River management. She advises governments and other sectors on science, conservation, and science policy. She has given expert testimony on science and endangered species before U.S. Senate and House committees.
Her adventurous spirit and love of marine science have taken her around the world to work with communities and study unique ocean habitats. She dived under active volcanoes to understand how eruptions affect coral reefs and fisheries, and worked in national and international seas in pursuit of greater understanding of ocean dynamics. When a volcanic eruption threatened, she successfully moved an entire coral reef to allow an emergency jetty to be built, and saved both the reef and the community. She subsequently survived the Montserrat volcanic eruption when the volcano sent plumes of gas and pyroclastic flows into the ocean where she was diving to monitor the reefs.
Dr. Brosnan grew up in Ireland and received her bachelor's from the University of Galway, where she was the first woman to qualify as a SCUBA diver. She received her master's in fisheries science from the Shellfish Research Lab at the University College Galway. She moved to the U.S. where she was awarded her doctorate in marine ecology from Oregon State University. In addition to her science-policy work, her research ranges from the Pacific shores of North America to tropical coral reefs. Her ground breaking research into human impacts on rocky shores was the backbone of the Oregon Territorial Sea Plan, and has been used to protect coasts worldwide. She founded the Tsunami Reef Action Fund to provide scientific and economic support to the communities and reefs devastated by the Southeast Asia tsunami.
Dr. Brosnan was awarded the Whitely Scholarship for writing. In 2001, returning from coral reef work in Asia, she was in a 747 plane crash that injured her and killed many. The Red Cross awarded her a hero's award for helping passengers to safety from the burning wreckage. She is the author of numerous scientific papers, reports and popular articles. Dr. Brosnan contributes to science and society as a speaker and as a member of several boards including UC Davis SeaDoc Society, Oregon State University College of Forestry, Washington State University Science Advisory Committee, SeaShepherd Advisory Board, and the National Ecological Observatory Network. She chaired a blue ribbon scientific code of ethics panel for the U.S. Government, and co-chaired the National Science and Policy Forum. She highlighted the importance of ocean health by launching an ocean voyage with actor Patrick Stewart and whale biologist Dr. Roger Payne through the inauguration of the new marine reserve in St. Barthelemy. She has been featured on National Public Radio, Public TV, 48 Hours, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.
