Adventure and Discovery: A Profile of Jon Robinson
Explorer, oceanographer and marine biologist Jon Robinson is a man of many hats. He spends his days exploring the depths of the world’s oceans—searching for new species of fish and marine life, surveying uncharted waters for a possible submerged civilization, and studying the effects of global climate change on ocean ecosystems. But it’s his discoveries and stories of unique and remarkable expeditions that have helped the 46-year-old pioneer truly stand out amongst his peers.
Jon Robinson was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and found his true calling as a child growing up along the Gulf Coast. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in environmental sciences before embarking on a ten-month solo sailboat journey around the Pacific Ocean. During this stint, he surveyed several underwater volcanoes and discovered many rare species of fish, some never before seen in the Pacific.
After his return, Jon became heavily involved in an innovative joint venture between Vanderbilt University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that has led him to many exciting places and experiences. As part of his role, he developed and leads a series of expeditions that range from exploring shipping lanes to discovering hydrogen bombs from the Cold War to finding sunken treasure. He has swum at the deepest point of the Puerto Rico Trench, dived off the coast of Aruba, explored the Andes of Peru, and much more.
Along with his own personal research, Jon also plays a major role in assisting other professional researchers on their own exploration missions. He works with them to develop and implement cost-effective strategies for exploring the unknown and for uncovering new species and ecosystems. For example, he was recently a part of a team that discovered an entire new genus of mantis shrimp off the coast of Hawaii.
In addition to his scientific exploits, Jon Robinson is an avid scuba diver and an experienced oceanographer. Throughout his expeditionary career, he has worked with multiple environmentally focused organizations and dedicated significant portions of his time to doing work which benefits humanity’s knowledge of the ocean’s depths and our need to preserve them for future generations.
When asked what drives him to explore ocean depths, Jon has a simple explanation: “The ocean is our greatest wilderness. It’s always changing and there are always new frontiers to explore. I want to ensure that we understand and protect it, so that our children and grandchildren can enjoy it just as we do.”
As an explorer and discoverer, these words echo the very mission that leads and inspires him—the need to protect and explore the unknown. Jon Robinson is an amazing and innovative individual who will continue to inspire us when it comes to the science of oceanography and the importance of the continued exploration of our planet’s seas.
