Michael Lombardi

Leveraging a unique mix of undersea expertise, an inventive personality, an affinity for writing, and an attraction for the arts, Michael finds himself involved in numerous projects, microventures, and consultancy activities in the undersea community which span all of the humanities subjects. His creation of 'Ocean Opportunity', a 501(c)3 not for profit organization, has afforded the vehicle to apply his innovative, grassroots model for business and exploration to many projects. Just one notable recent success includes the Diving a Dream Project (2004-2007) which was aired on NBC's Today Show in January 2007.

As a diving contractor and technologist by trade, Michael's undersea work spans academic and private sectors including numerous university marine programs, private engineering firms, and supporting various government contracts. His ancillary role is often literally 'beneath the surface' - undertaking a variety of program management and creative development responsibilities.

In 2011, Michael was appointed as 'Explorer-in-Residence' for the Oceans Aquarium Research & Science Center, a proposed mega-aquarium in development in his home, the Ocean State. 2012 marked the groundbreaking of the Lombardi Undersea Resource Center in Rhode Island, to provide a physical home for Michaels creative and entrepreneurial undersea exploits, with an emphasis on related research & development work.

Presently with a consistent and award winning (2nd Place Science/Environment RI Press Association 2008) publication record, including a syndicated Blog, 'a New Life in the Sea', work featured on local and national media outlets, a forward looking and keen sense for program development, and routinely operating in the harshest extremes on this planet, Michael is making huge strides in encouraging a greater public understanding and appreciation of the next cultural, social, and evolutionary steps for our species - with a mission to take exploration and its influences on science, technology, and society where it has not yet ventured...to oceana incognita.