Marine Biologist & Virtual Reality Filmmaker; CEO & Co-Founder of The Hydrous; National Geographic Explorer
Erika Woolsey Biography
Dr. Erika Woolsey is a marine biologist, divemaster, National Geographic Explorer, and virtual reality filmmaker whose work integrates ocean science and immersive technology. Woolsey studied biology and art history at Duke University and conducted her master's and doctoral research on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia with the University of Sydney and the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University. Her doctoral research focused on the impact of warming oceans on coral health, specifically examining how rising temperatures affect the growth and development of young corals after mass spawning events. While exploring reefs in the Maldives, Palau, Japan, and other locations, Woolsey observed global bleaching events that resulted in significant coral loss worldwide.
Woolsey is the CEO and co-founder of The Hydrous, a nonprofit organization dedicated to translating marine science for public understanding. The Hydrous was established to create Open Access Oceans, enabling people to explore and engage with marine environments. Woolsey utilizes 360-degree photography and virtual reality videos to make ocean and coral reef experiences accessible globally. She is executive producer of "Immerse," a 360-degree virtual reality film that offers viewers a virtual dive on the coral reefs of Palau. Woolsey also created "Manta Ray Eden," an underwater VR journey in Palau that introduces viewers to manta rays and highlights marine conservation.
Woolsey once led a 450-person virtual dive on the coral reefs of Palau, with participants using Oculus Go headsets at the National Geographic auditorium in Washington, D.C. More than 2.75 million people have experienced The Hydrous' immersive ocean experiences. Woolsey has toured North America with National Geographic Live, expanding access to virtual dives. The Hydrous collaborates with Silverback Films, the production company behind Netflix's "Our Planet" and "The Dinosaurs," and immersive production studio Submersa Studios to deliver interactive ocean experiences in museums, aquariums, and other venues.
As a visiting scholar at Stanford's Virtual Human Interaction Lab, Woolsey is co-principal investigator on an NSF-funded project titled "Towards Universal Ocean Literacy: Advancing Science Learning through Immersive Virtual Environments." This research examines the effects of virtual reality on ocean literacy, empathy, and self-efficacy, with attention to gender, race, and income. Woolsey's findings indicate that immersive technology enhances both education and emotional connection to the ocean. She has also served as a visiting professor at OceanX and as a lecturer at the Stanford d.school.
Woolsey is the creator of multiple award-winning ocean extended reality experiences and has been recognized by The Explorers Club as one of 50 explorers changing the world. She has also been honored as a TIME Trailblazer for her contributions to ocean education and immersive technology. Woolsey is among the first National Geographic Explorers to present work in the Gilbert H. Grosvenor Auditorium, the largest permanent VR theater in the world. Through The Hydrous, Woolsey continues to advance ocean literacy and connect millions of learners to marine science and conservation.
Erika Woolsey Videos
CHQ&A with Erika Woolsey - 2024
Erika Woolsey answers questions following her 2024 lecture: What is the most significant change you have observed during your deep-sea dives ...
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What topics does Erika Woolsey speak about?
Erika Woolsey is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Adventure, Adventure, Animals & Wildlife, Art & Design, Biology, Earth Science, Entrepreneurship, Female Leadership, Research & Exploration, Science -
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Erika Woolsey is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Erika Woolsey for your event is available upon request. Erika Woolsey generally travels from San Francisco, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Meg Lowman, Dr. Liberty Boyd, Lizzie Daly, Nalini Nadkarni and Cristina Zenato. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Erika Woolsey for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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