Ellen K. Pikitch, a professor at Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, has been honored with the 2024 Lowell Thomas Award for her contributions to field science and communication. The award, presented by The Explorers Club, is named after broadcast journalist and explorer Lowell Thomas. It recognizes outstanding explorers who have excelled in various domains or fields of exploration.
Sylvia Earle nominated Pikitch for this prestigious accolade. Previous recipients include notable figures such as Carl Sagan, Isaac Asimov, Kathy Sullivan, Sir Edmund Hillary, Kris Thompkins, and E.O. Wilson.
"Professor Pikitch has worked tirelessly for decades on ocean conservation issues," stated Paul Shepson, Dean of the School of Marine and Atmospheric Studies. "How gratifying that her passion and dedication in service to the world’s oceans has been recognized with this prestigious award."
Pikitch holds an endowed professorship in Ocean Conservation Science and serves as the executive director of the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science. Her research focuses on marine protected areas (MPAs), fish conservation and fisheries sustainability, ecosystem-based fishery management, and endangered fishes.
Throughout her career, she has engaged in research activities both nationally and internationally. She spent seven years at the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), where she developed a program covering field research operations across 18 countries in four ocean basins. Additionally, she led several successful ocean policy campaigns for WCS.
Recently, Pikitch was the lead investigator behind The DataXplorer™, an eco-friendly solar-powered remote-controlled craft that collects data on underwater species. Internationally, she contributed to public policy as Ocean Science Lead for the United Nations 10×20 Initiative and served as Special Envoy to Palau.
She is also a Fellow of The Explorers Club and has received numerous awards including the Hope Spot Champion award, Oscar E. Sette award, Ocean Hero award, among others.
The Explorers Club was founded in 1904 as a multidisciplinary professional society dedicated to advancing field research, scientific exploration, and resource conservation. Headquartered in New York City with chapters worldwide, it supports scientific expeditions across all disciplines while fostering fellowship among its members.