Marine Biologist | National Geographic Explorer | Ocean Educator

Dr. Erika Woolsey is a marine biologist, National Geographic Explorer, and the Chief Scientist and CEO at The Hydrous. Her work bridges marine science, immersive technology, and ocean education.

Woolsey earned her Ph.D. in coral reef ecology through James Cook University and the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, studying coral reefs on the Great Barrier Reef. Her interdisciplinary background also includes a master’s degree in applied science in coastal management from the University of Sydney and undergraduate studies in biology and art history at Duke University. She has also served as a lecturer and fellow at Stanford University’s d.school and Center for Ocean Solutions and as a visiting scholar at Stanford’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab.

Woolsey co-founded The Hydrous to make ocean science more accessible through immersive experiences that bring people closer to marine environments they may never encounter firsthand. Through the organization, she has led the creation of award-winning immersive ocean experiences across virtual reality, augmented reality, and 360º media while collaborating with educators, social scientists, and policymakers to study how these technologies can deepen marine science learning and emotional connection to the ocean.