Our Community of Ocean Stewards
KORY LAMBERTS
Founder, CEO Dive Instructor, AAUS Scientific Diver
-
Kory Lamberts is a dedicated Dive Professional and Community Builder renowned for his commitment to breaking down barriers in aquatics. As the Founder of the Aquatic Futures Foundation, Kory has devoted himself to creating inclusive aquatic experiences, utilizing his background in environmental studies to merge scientific knowledge with community action. Gaining leadership experience through helping launch the Aquatic Summer Series has been pivotal, successfully training two cohorts in essential skills from learning to swim to open water snorkeling. Through his role as the Aquatic Summer Series Program Lead for Negus in Nature, Kory has expanded access to aquatic education and fostered new generations of enthusiasts.
In addition to his foundational work, Kory is the Chair of the Next Gen Committee for the National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS) and member of Aqua Corps, where he champions water safety within underrepresented communities. His efforts to create access for scuba diving are highlighted by his organization of nationwide try dives, which have broadened access to scuba for diverse populations. Kory’s approach reflects his understanding that effective environmental solutions arise from inclusive community engagement, integrating social justice with scientific inquiry.
Kory’s impact extends to spear heading projects like the USC Wrigley’s Scientific Dive Discovery program, where he certified the next generation of scientific divers over two years.
His current initiatives embody a vision for expanding aquatic education and safety through community-driven solutions. The Undrowned History project aims to uncover sunken history in Lake Lanier, Georgia, through archeological dives.
Through these innovative programs and initiatives, Kory Lamberts continues to break down barriers, open doors, and foster greater access and inclusivity in the world of aquatics. His work exemplifies how integrating environmental science with community engagement can drive meaningful change, reflecting his belief that complex environmental challenges find their solutions in collective, community-centered efforts.
DR. JUSTIN DUNAVANT
Society of Black Archaeologists Co-founder, AAUS Scientific Diver
-
Shireen Rahimi is an Iranian-American underwater visual storyteller, marine scientist, science communicator, and the founder and executive producer of Lightpalace Productions. Her journey with National Geographic began in 2017 as a Young Explorer. Since then, Rahimi has been featured on National Geographic Channel's Sharkfest and NG WILD for her work on shark-human interactions in The Bahamas and Florida. She is currently a 2023 Freshwater Initiative Storytelling Grantee, and a contributing member on the Society-funded, Explorer-led projects "Ocean Robocto" and "Climate Migration at the Extremes." Rahimi photographs human relationships to rapidly changing oceans around the world, including in the South Pacific, the Coral Triangle, and across the Caribbean. Her work focuses on one of the earliest and most significant ecological casualties of global warming: tropical coral reefs. With her practice, Rahimi is dedicated to uplifting the marginalized voices of our oceans, and telling emotional and character-driven stories that encourage action around our current ecological crisis.
DR. SHIREEN RAHIMI
Filmmaker, Marine Scientist
-
Dr. Justin Dunnavant is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at UCLA. His current research in the US Virgin Islands investigates the relationship between ecology and enslavement in the former Danish West Indies. In addition to his archaeological research, Justin is co-founder of the Society of Black Archaeologists and an AAUS Scientific SCUBA Diver. In 2021, he was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer and inducted into The Explorers Club as one of “Fifty People Changing the World that You Need to Know About.” Last year, he was awarded the 2022 Stafford Ellison Wright Black Alumni Scholar-in-Residence at Occidental College. His research has been featured on Netflix's "Explained," Hulu's "Your Attention Please" and in print in
American Archaeology, Science Magazine
, and
National Geographic Magazine
.
ALEXIS PUTNEY
Marine Scientist, AAUS Scientific Diver
-
Alexis Putney
is a passionate marine scientist. She has a degree in Biology with a a focus in Marine Science. As a research and lab technician at Virginia Institute of Marine Science,
Alexis has honed in on her research in oysters and marine life. Her research is centered around the mechanisms underlying acclimatization and local adaptation to environmental change, with a focus on anthropogenic stressors such as ocean acidification, ocean warming, and hypoxia, as well as natural environmental variability.
She is also a certified scientific and advanced open water diver, completing more than 20 underwater explorations.
ANTHONY MCGINNIS
CSULB Shark Lab & STABB Lab, AAUS Scientific Diver, Marine Biologist
-
Anthony McGinnis Jr. is an experienced marine biologist and current lab technician at the CSULB Shark Lab. He possesses a strong background in community ecology, physiological ecology, and the movement behaviors of Elasmobranchs. His work has taken him from the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, to research expeditions in Costa Rica and Catalina Island, where he has gained hands-on experience in safe fish handling, drone-based bathymetry mapping, and studying nurse shark aggregation sites.
He holds certifications such as an FAA unmanned drone pilot license, AAUS scientific diver certification, and various fish/reptile handling licenses, which make him well-prepared for fieldwork and advanced marine research. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree at California State University, Monterey Bay, in Dr. Sal Jorgensen’s Ocean Predator Ecology Lab. His research focuses on investigating changes in predator-prey dynamics of juvenile white sharks, bat rays, and their prey items in response to the warming of the California Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) in the Central-Northern California region. His passion for marine ecosystems and predator-prey interactions drives his commitment to contribute to the understanding and conservation of marine life, with a goal of spreading this knowledge to local communities.
-
With over a decade of experience in science education and environmental program management, Kelli Edwards is a leading expert in marine sciences and innovative curriculum design. As the Environmental Quality and Education Manager for Fulton County Government in Atlanta, Kelli excels in developing and overseeing environmental education programs with a focus on water quality and conservation. She spearheads initiatives such as Georgia Adopt-A-Stream and Pollution Prevention, working to educate and engage the community in sustainable practices. Kelli is also adept at designing community outreach programs and forging partnerships to enhance environmental awareness.
Prior to this role, Kelli served as the Manager of Public Programs at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, where she crafted and evaluated public programs to address human rights issues and promote civic engagement. Her collaborative work in developing project proposals and securing sponsorships significantly supported the center’s educational mission.
At the Georgia Aquarium, Inc., Kelli held key roles including Assistant Manager of Education Programs and Assistant Manager of Guest Programs. She developed K-12 STEM and STEAM curricula, managed educational programming, and supervised a large team to deliver enriching visitor experiences.
Kelli holds a Master of Science in Marine Sciences from Savannah State University and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is pursuing a National Certified Public Manager Certification from the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government to further enhance her leadership skills.
Her commitment to professional growth is demonstrated by a range of certifications, including advanced environmental education training, CPR and AED, and various SCUBA diving certifications. Recognized for her contributions, Kelli has received accolades such as the Customer Service Legend Award and the Educational Enrichment Award.
In addition to her professional achievements, Kelli is actively involved in philanthropic and professional organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Atlanta Underwater Explorers Dive Club, and the National Association of Black Scuba Divers. These roles underscore her dedication to environmental conservation and educational outreach.
In summary, Kelli Edwards is a passionate leader in marine sciences and education, known for her impactful work in environmental advocacy and community engagement.
This version includes your name and emphasizes your significant roles and accomplishments in a succinct and engaging manner.
