Address

PO Box 461, Saint Michaels, MD 21663

Contact Information

Email: andrew@blackbeardbiologic.com

Research Interests

  • Conservation Technology
  • Deep-sea Ecology
  • Deep-sea Mining
  • Education and Outreach
  • Marine Conservation
  • Ocean Policy
  • Population Genetics

Andrew Thaler

Chief Executive Officer

Blackbeard Biologic: Science and Environmental Advisors

Dr. Thaler is a deep-sea ecologist and conservation technologist whose research revolves around how humans use technology to connect with and alter the ocean. He is focused on understanding the impacts of deep-sea mining on biodiversity and connectivity at hydrothermal vents and across the deep benthos, building anticipatory frameworks to guide emerging ocean technology, and developing low-cost open-source tools to study our changing world.

Education

  1. 2012

    PhD, Marine Science and Conservation

    Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University
  2. 2007

    BS, Biology (Honors)

    Trinity School of Arts and Sciences, Duke University

Professional Appointments

  1. 2017 - Present
    Affiliated Faculty
    School of Marine Science and Policy, University of Delaware
  2. 2017 - Present
    Adjunct Professor
    Center for Environmental Science, University of Maryland Horn Point Lab
  3. 2015 - 2016
    Visiting Scientist
    Virginia Institute of Marine Science
  4. 2012 -2013
    Post-Doctoral Fellow
    Duke University Marine Lab

Key Grants and Awards

  • 2022-2023
    Sediment Microbial Batteries
    NOAA SeaGrant
  • 2018 - 2022
    Deep-Sea Mining Observer
    Pew Charitable Trusts
  • 2018
    Ocean Exploration Fellow
    NOAA
  • 2017 - 2018
    Marine Ecology via Remote Observation: Capacity Building in Saipan through Low-Cost Underwater Robotics
    NOAA/Pew Charitable Trusts
  • 2015
    Chief Scientist Training Cruise
    UNOLS
  • 2015
    #BayBots: Connecting technology and marine conservation through low-cost robotics
    Ocean Classrooms Foundation
  • 2014
    Capacity Building in Papua New Guinea: Marine Ecology and Biodiversity through Remote Observation
    Nautilus Minerals