Tim Shank is a deep-sea biologist, associate scientist in the Biology Department and the former Director of the Ocean Exploration Institute at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. He is known for his research on the ecology and evolution of deep-sea creatures, including at hydrothermal vents, seamounts, canyons and in deep trenches. He combines genetic approaches and ecological field studies to understand the conditions and adaptations that allow various species to migrate, evolve, and thrive in deep-sea habitats.

He is internationally recognized for his research on ocean floor community structure and the evolution of diverse deep-sea species groups, many of which were previously undiscovered. He has pioneered the use of telepresence technology, making ocean exploration and research more accessible to the public, and conducted more than 60 scientific expeditions in the Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans.

Tim has also made more than 50 dives in WHOI’s human-operated submersible Alvin, and more than 100 dives with autonomous underwater and remotely-operated vehicles (ROV’s), including the first use of the hybrid ROV Nereus in the ocean’s deepest trenches.  He is the author or co-author of more than 100 scientific papers, and the award-winning, best-selling book “Discovering the Deep”. Tim has served on numerous scientific panels and national and international committees, leading to research, conservation and management guidelines for deep-sea ecosystems, oil spill response efforts, international initiatives, and setting international priorities for deep-ocean exploration and research.

Deep Ocean Life and its Promise for the Future: The Northeast US Submarine Canyons