Gail Ashton

With a bachelor's degree in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography from Swansea University, Wales, and a Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, Gail is dedicated to investigating marine biodiversity and exploring the world. As a PADI Dive Master, she has completed over 500 research dives, many under the ice in Antarctica.

Gail has worked as a research scientist and post-doctoral fellow at the Smithsonian and the British Antarctic Survey. She spent over 18 months living and working at the Rother Research Station in Antarctica. Her research has focused on species acclimation, biodiversity on artificial structures, the transfer of organisms by boats, invasive species control, and the effects of ocean warming on marine species.

Her publication, "Predator control of marine communities increases with temperature across 115 degrees of latitude," appeared in the June 2022 issue of Science. Gail's research has taken her to diverse locations, including the Aleutian Islands, Antarctica, the Coco Islands, the Galapagos, Guam, Indonesia, Panama, and many other places.

As an accomplished researcher and environmentalist, Gail is passionate about sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the world's marine communities. She believes that while many sea creatures are found worldwide, the unique diversity of species in each location makes every place distinct and exciting.