Marine Restoration Scientist & Ocean Solutions Leader; Founder & CEO of Ocean Rescue Alliance International
Shelby Thomas, PhD Biography
Dr. Shelby Thomas is an ocean solutionist with a master's degree in marine ecology and a PhD in fisheries and aquatic sciences from the University of Florida. Dr. Thomas has led or contributed to more than 40 marine restoration projects globally, spanning coral, seagrass, oyster, sea urchin and scallop restoration. Her work uniquely bridges rigorous science with scalable, real-world solutions that resonate with corporate, academic, nonprofit and policy-driven audiences.
As founder and chief executive officer of Ocean Rescue Alliance International, known as ORAI, Dr. Thomas leads integrated ocean solutions that combine ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, workforce development and coastal community engagement. Her keynote presentations focus on turning research into deployable impact, demonstrating how science-backed restoration can regenerate marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable livelihoods and blue economy growth. That combination makes her especially well-suited for paid keynote talks, corporate sustainability events, leadership conferences and live or virtual engagements.
Previously, Dr. Thomas served as head laboratory director at AMEC Foster Wheeler, where she oversaw seven concurrent restoration initiatives, managing complex teams and operations at scale. Her leadership at the intersection of science, innovation and execution sets her apart as a speaker who delivers both inspiration and actionable insight.
Dr. Thomas's work and leadership have been recognized nationally and internationally with honors including the NSF Florida-Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance, McNair Fellow, Challenge 2050, Aylesworth Scholar and multiple Stevie Awards, where she was named Most Inventive Woman of the Year, Woman of the Year and Top Executive of the Year. She also has been recognized as a Tampa Titan and is a TEDx speaker.
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Shelby Thomas, PhD Speaking Topics
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Using Modern Technology to Advance Marine Restoration & Conservation
Technology is rapidly transforming what’s possible for ocean restoration and conservation. This talk explores how tools such as AI, remote sensing, robotics, data platforms, and digital storytelling are accelerating marine recovery while increasing transparency, scalability, and impact. Drawing on real-world restoration efforts, this session demonstrates how innovation can enhance, not replace, human stewardship of nature. Attendees will learn how emerging technologies can support ecosystem monitoring, restoration design, policy decisions, and cross-sector collaboration. The focus is on practical, ethical, and accessible tech solutions that empower communities, scientists, and organizations to restore oceans faster and smarter in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss.
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Blue Economy: Building Business Models for Nature
The future economy must work with nature, not against it. This session unpacks the Blue Economy as a powerful framework for aligning ecological restoration with economic opportunity. Participants will explore how regenerative business models can protect marine ecosystems while creating jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening coastal communities. Through case studies and lessons learned, this talk highlights how organizations, entrepreneurs, and governments can design ventures that generate measurable environmental returns alongside financial sustainability. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how nature-positive economics can move from theory to practice—and why restoration is one of the smartest investments of our time.
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Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Shelby Thomas, PhD for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Shelby Thomas, PhD, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Shelby Thomas, PhD or any other speaker of your choice. -
What are the speaker fees for Shelby Thomas, PhD
Speaking fees for Shelby Thomas, PhD, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Shelby Thomas, PhD are under $10,000 for live events and under $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Shelby Thomas, PhD, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Shelby Thomas, PhD speak about?
Shelby Thomas, PhD is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Animals & Wildlife, Art & Design, Business Leadership, Conservation, Creativity, Digital Transformation, Disruptive Thinking, Environment, Environmental Science, Executive Leadership, Female Leadership, Futurism, Human Resources, Leadership, Research & Exploration, Science, Sustainability, TED, Thought Leadership, Women in Tech -
Where does Shelby Thomas, PhD travel from?
Shelby Thomas, PhD generally travels from Miami, FL, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
Who is Shelby Thomas, PhD’s agent?
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Shelby Thomas, PhD is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Using Modern Technology to Advance Marine Restoration & Conservation, Blue Economy: Building Business Models for Nature, Using Art as a Connection Tool and Catalyst for Change, Leadership: Turning Passion into Purpose Through Wellness & Nature and Ocean Literacy, Policy & Community Engagement as Scaling Tools for Restoration. The estimated speaking fee range to book Shelby Thomas, PhD for your event is available upon request. Shelby Thomas, PhD generally travels from Miami, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Jasmine Crowe-Houston, Pia Heidenmark Cook, Kavita Shukla, Sallie Krawcheck and Jenn Lim. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Shelby Thomas, PhD for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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