Featured work
Recent Articles
Re-envisioning the Collective Voyage for Ocean Exploration [White Paper]. Quicho, K., Fundis, A., Morishige, K., Lorenzo H., Pihana, H., Anderson, A., Cook, M. (2022). Consortium for Ocean Leadership National Ocean Exploration Forum.
Master's Project Analyzes Knowledge Gaps in Deep-Sea Mining Regional Environmental Management Planning Duke University
Mentorship During a Pandemic: Transitions from Lab and Sea to Virtual EOS Magazine. Written by: Richard Sima, featuring Megan Cook
Building Community from Ship to Shore Through Ocean Exploration By Megan Cook, Samantha Wishnak, Kelly Moran, Jonathan Fiely, Jamie Zaccaria, Jacob Ottaviani, Madison Dapcevich, and Emily Ballard
Bringing the Ocean to a Remote Learning World: Innovating with Telepresence by Megan Cook, Samantha Wishnak, Kelly Moran, Jonathan Fiely, Megan Lubetkin, Emily Ballard, Madison Dapcevich, and Allison Fundis in Oceanography Magazine
Young Alumni Awardee makes waves as marine ecologist and ocean storyteller IMPACT Magazine. Oregon State University
Illuminating STEM Career Pathways and Deep-Sea Discoveries Through Nautilus Exploration and Outreach by Megan Cook in Oceanography Magazine, Vol. 33, February 2020
A Decade of Engaging Students, Educators, and Global Audiences in Deep-Sea Expeditions
by Megan Cook in Oceanography Magazine, Vol. 32, March 2019
Sparking Interest in Ocean Exploration and Providing Experiential STEM Programs for Students and Educators by Megan Cook in Oceanography Magazine, Vol. 31, March 2018
Our Ocean and You Feature article for Dive Team Role Model series
Ocean Allison Podcast (Megan Cook, Nautilus Live & Ocean Exploration)
The Explorers Club - Meet an Explorer featuring Megan Cook
Presenting & Keynotes
Supply Chain Scaling: Ecosystem Impacts of Transition Mineral Use
In order to deploy the low- and zero-carbon energy technologies that will enable the global economy to meet Paris Agreement greenhouse gas reduction goals, the world will need massive quantities of energy transition minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and graphite. This seminar will dig into these needs and the possible ecosystem threats that mining for these minerals poses. Speakers will discuss where these minerals are located, the ecosystems found in those locations, and the role of recycling in limiting the need. The seminar will feature an engaged discussion among among Steve Roady, JD, a long-time ocean advocate; Megan Cook, an ocean explorer; and Renee Grogan, a consultant who works with seabed mining companies.
Future of Our Oceans, Duke University
Deep Sea Mining: Assessing Challenges and Opportunities
An important international policy struggle is underway, one that is invisible to most citizens. Countries are preparing to mine the ocean floor in the deep sea, hoping to secure minerals that are deemed important to supporting a modern economy. The International Seabed Authority is required to ensure that such mining does not harm the marine environment, and finds itself caught between competing interests: on one side are countries and companies anxious to proceed, while on the other side are countries, scientists, and non-government organizations anxious to ensure adequate environmental protections for the unique biodiversity of the deep sea. The resulting struggle presents important questions about the stewardship of our oceans. Our panel discussion features experts in the ecology of the deep sea and in the plans for deep seabed mining to provide insights into vital questions related to exploration and exploitation of the deep sea.
AltaSea Project Blue
Megan Cook featured by AltaSea's Project Blue Live Lessons.
Megan has worked beside Dr. Bob Ballard, the man who discovered the Titanic wreck, for 6 years including countless expeditions at sea aboard the E/V Nautilus. Join Megan on Friday as she recounts her favorite discoveries on the seafloor, such as the octopus garden in the Monterey Bay where thousands of octopods sat brooding over their eggs in a nursery atmosphere.
Explore @ Home: Underwater Robots and the Engineers who Fly Them
Event hosted by Megan Cook
How can we conduct science at ocean depths where human bodies cannot go? What is a pilot’s favorite part of flying a Remotely Operated Vehicle? How do underwater robots safely use electricity underwater? Join in to learn about robotic tools used to explore the ocean from E/V Nautilus, led by Corps of Exploration ROV pilots and engineers Dr. Gabrielle Inglis and Jessica Sandoval. Learn how these engineers discovered their passions and where they see the future of ROV technology heading.
Ocean Exploration Today with Dr. Robert Ballard & Megan Cook
Event hosted by Megan Cook
Join renowned explorer, Dr. Robert Ballard, as he shares some of his favorite moments of discovery, what questions about our oceans hold the most mystery, and how to get involved with fascinating technologies to help understand the seafloor. Ocean exploration is constantly evolving, and the future of oceanography is in young people’s hands.