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In Operation: Resilient Planet, you'll meet scientists who visit Earth's critical ecosystems to understand pressures from human-induced changes. These host researchers are the guides who explain the science and work with students to help them recognize our responsibility for defending biodiversity.
 | Meet the Researchers
Each year, JASON selects host researchers from NOAA, NASA, and National Geographic. To learn more about the host researchers featured in the Operation: Resilient Planet curriculum, preview the sample Meet the Researchers video. |
 | Our Operation: Resilient Planet researchers include: |  |  |  | Dr. Russell Cuhel
Senior Scientist at the Great Lakes WATER Institute
Host Researcher, Mission 1
Russell is an ecologist who studies the ecology of Lake Michigan, including the invasive zebra and quagga mussels. He chose to conduct research in Lake Michigan because he can study how invasive species disrupt the food web of the Lake over time. | | | |  | Dr. Robert D. "Bob" Ballard
Explorer-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society; Founder and Chief Scientist for The JASON Project
Host Researcher, Mission 2
With major discoveries in geology, ecology, history, and archeology, Bob's research and exploration has led him to find the Titanic, new deep sea ecosystems, and archeological treasures from long extinct cultures. Bob pioneered the use of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in researching the depths of the oceans, and he studies why geological features are important to the ecosystem. | | | |  | Dr. Sylvia Earle
NOAA Oceanographer and Explorer-in-Residence at National Geographic
Host Researcher, Mission 3
Sylvia holds many records for diving including the deepest dive without surface support in a "Jim Suit." Sylvia was also the first woman to hold the title of "Chief Scientist" for NOAA. She uses snorkeling, scuba, and diving vessels to explore the Chesapeake Bay and help restore it to a healthier estuarine ecosystem. | | | |  | Dr. Enric Sala
National Geographic Society Fellow
Host Researcher, Mission 4
Enric's research into redefining ecologists' understanding of pristine ecosystems has him traveling to some of the most remote places on Earth, like the Line Islands in the Pacific Ocean. He samples the number of organisms to estimate populations within an ecosystem. | | | |  | Dr. Leila Hatch
NOAA Ocean Noise Specialist, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Host Researcher, Mission 5
Growing up in a house with musicians and scientists, Leila's love of sound and the natural world influenced her chosen career. She deploys buoys to detect sound created by human activities as well as the animals that live in the oceans. | | | |  | |  | |  | |
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