The Challenger Society for Marine Science

Julien Middleton is an isotope geochemist who has been working in the academic equity movement throughout their career. As a graduate student, their work led their participation as a founding member of WHOI’s Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (CDEI), on which they served as co-chair for Academic Recruitment. Dr. Middleton has run DEI workshops at past Ocean Sciences Meetings and Gordon Research Conferences which focused on actionable advice for improving the inclusivity of fieldwork for trans and gender-nonconforming scientists. Currently, they work as a member of The Oceanographic Society’s JEDI Committee promoting initiatives aimed at improving equity in the ocean sciences and recently led a TOS publication focused on recommendations  for impactful initiatives and community experiences related to DEI topics. 

Prof. Edem Mahu

Prof. Edem Mahu (PhD) is a marine biogeochemist and Associate Professor at the University of Ghana, working at the nexus of ocean science, climate resilience, and inclusive capacity development. Her research focuses on past climate reconstruction, coastal upwelling, carbon and nutrient dynamics in coastal ocean systems, pollution studies in coastal systems, and ocean acidification, connecting geophysical processes to biodiversity, fisheries, and community livelihoods across West Africa.

Prof. Mahu integrates diversity, equity, and inclusion into every aspect of her work. She leads regional training and mentorship programs through BIOTTA, EQUISA, and COESSING, equipping students, technicians, and early-career scientists, especially women and first-generation scholars, with hands-on laboratory and ocean observation skills.

Dr. Jeanette Davis, also known as Dr. Ocean, is a marine microbiologist, ocean policy
professional and 2X bestselling author whose books were created to explore and diversify
science for young readers. She has served for nearly a decade in government using genetic tools to manage ocean resources and worked with members of Congress on ocean policy and legislation. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Marine Science Department at Hampton University (HU) using genetic tools to study the biodiversity associated with marine invertebrates. Her notable accomplishments include helping to discover a marine bacterium that fights cancer, which has been published in the Journal of Science, being featured in “Women of Power Series” Climate Champions: 15 Women Fighting for Your Future, and serving as an ocean
movie consultant for the Oscar award winning film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

Prof. Charitha Pattiaratchi

Charitha Pattiaratchi is Professor in Coastal Oceanography at the University of Western Australia (UWA) attached School of Engineering and the Oceans Institute. He is currently the leader of the Coastal Oceanography Group and The Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) ocean glider facility that operates ocean gliders across Australia. His research encompasses coastal ocean physical processes and their influence on climatic, biological, and geological processes in estuaries, the nearshore (beach) zone, and the continental shelf region. Using novel techniques, including ocean gliders, his major discoveries include dense shelf water transport, water level variability including tsunamis (seismic and meteorological), and the Leeuwin Current system.