Megan Cook
Public Speaker, Explorer, and STEM Program Manager in Friday Harbor, Washington
Megan is an explorer, scientist, and program developer with experience in diving and deep sea research, storytelling, and education to raise science literacy and deepen ocean interest. She excels in at-sea operational, leadership, research, and presenting roles to bring science, STEM career-readiness, and inspiring curiosity to the next generation of explorers of any age.
Megan manages Ocean Exploration Trust and Exploration Vessel Nautilus' suite of at-sea and onshore education programs and partnerships. She brings together innovative partners in the ocean realm, mentor emerging talent in STEM fields, and inspire our next generation of young explorers. She travels frequently on expedition missions at sea and as a public speaker to bring ocean exploration discoveries to students and deliver real-world research-focused professional development for K-20 educators. She is passionate about and always looking to improve in her abilities to help the staff, program participants, and contractors of OET (called the Corps of Exploration) compellingly communicate stories from sea.
Megan's international career has bridged scientific research, ocean education, conservation campaigns, expedition planning, and digital media. Her communication talent is grown from a broad technical operations expertise. A science extrovert, she loves helping people fall into fascination with our planet and using technology to share ocean stories and introduce exploration to new audiences.
Beyond her training in biological field research, Megan has followed her interests through the ocean world as a submarine copilot, SCUBA professional, freediving trainer, invasive species wrangler, undersea garbage woman, writer, and public speaker. She is an alum of Oregon State University with a degree in biology and chemistry with an emphasis in marine biology. She received North America's only Rolex Scholarship to travel around the world learning side-by-side with mentors from maritime industries, marine research, conservation, and media. IN parallel with her career, Megan is also a graduate student in Environmental Leadership pursuing a Masters in Environmental Management at Duke University.
Contact me for collaborations, questions, and adventures offshore. https://megan-cook.com/