Dr. Katy Croff Bell is an ocean explorer, using deep sea technology to explore what lies at the depths of the ocean. Over the past ten years, she has participated in or led more than 20 oceanographic and archaeological projects. Katy’s current work involves the utilization of telepresence technology on ocean exploration projects for remote science and education. She is Chief Scientist of the Exploration Vessel NAUTILUS, working with a large team to implement this technology on a 4-month expedition to the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. The expedition will be shared with the world live, revealing the wonders of the undersea world in real time, in an effort to engage and inspire a new generation of young explorers.

Katy's educational background is multifaceted - she received her S.B. from MIT in Ocean Engineering in 2000. In 2001, she was a John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow in the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration, after which she completed her Master's degree in Maritime Archaeology at the University of Southampton. In 2006, she was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer. Katy completed her Ph.D. in Geological Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography in 2011, and is now Vice President of the Ocean Exploration Trust directing the E/V Nautilus Exploration Program.