Dr. Teresa J. Kennedy is a Professor at the University of Texas at Tyler, the International Council of Associations for Science Education (ICASE) Representative to UNESCO, and Co-Chair of the UNESCO Ocean Decade NGO Task Group. An active marine scientist and certified PADI Divemaster, she has spent over 90 days at sea on research cruises and has participated in international marine engineering projects. With a master’s degree in oceanography from the University of Rhode Island and a PhD in STEM education from the University of Idaho, she bridges scientific research, education, and policy. A three-time Fulbright Scholar and former Deputy Director of NASA’s GLOBE Program, she has led science education initiatives in more than 100 countries. Passionate about Ocean Literacy and sustainability, Dr. Kennedy works to strengthen global understanding of the Ocean as a single, interconnected system and is currently leading a designated Ocean Decade Activity that has brought together more than 250 Ocean Literacy experts across 40 nations.
Niccolo Bassan is a Science Officer at the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, serving on the coordination team of the United Nations Decade on Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade). He is a multidisciplinary ocean expert with extensive experience in management of ocean related projects, contributions to EU and international projects, technical consultancies and support to national authorities. In his previous role at the UN Environment Programme, he worked in integrating observing systems to support policymaking to conserve, restore and properly manage coastal and marine ecosystems. Passionate about all ocean related activities, Niccolo’ is dedicated to advancing ocean sustainability.