OOI Regional Cabled Array Director Deb Kelley Receives 2026 Wallace S. Broecker Medal

At Ocean Sciences 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland, Dr. Deb Kelley, professor of oceanography at the University of Washington and director of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) Regional Cabled Array, was awarded the 2026 Wallace S. Broecker Medal by The Oceanography Society. The honor recognizes her significant contributions to marine geoscience and chemical oceanography, leadership in interdisciplinary and collaborative research, and her commitment to education and mentorship.

During the Ocean Sciences Awards Plenary, Kelley reflected on discoveries and experiences that have shaped her career, including the discovery of the Lost City Hydrothermal Field and transformative observations at Axial Seamount. She highlighted how real-time, open-access observations from OOI’s Regional Cabled Array have advanced understanding of subseafloor processes, hydrothermal systems, microbial life, and submarine volcanism.

Kelley also discussed the importance of community-accessible observing infrastructure and the role of experiential learning programs, such as the VISIONS expedition program, in engaging students and inspiring the next generation of ocean scientists.

Her recognition at the plenary celebrates a career dedicated to advancing ocean discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and education within the ocean science community.

Dr. Deb Kelley, Director of OOI’s Regional Cabled Array, receives the 2026 Wallace S. Broecker Medal at Ocean Sciences 2026.

Dr. Deb Kelley presents during the Ocean Sciences Awards Plenary, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her career in ocean science.