The Maine Maritime Academy Ocean Studies Department hosts speakers on a range of science and science related topics. These talks are open to the public.

Jeff Bozanic will be presenting a talk entitled "Research Diving in Antarctica: 37 Years Beneath the Ice". Jeffrey Bozanic’s presentation explores the evolution of scientific diving in Antarctica from 1989 to 2026, highlighting his experiences at McMurdo and Palmer Stations and on research expeditions along the Antarctic Peninsula. He will discuss the challenges of diving in extreme polar environments, including equipment reliability, cold-water procedures, specimen collection, rebreather testing, and the balance between scientific goals and operational limitations. The presentation will culminate with the 2026 Antarctic Flag Expedition, where divers sampled 11 sites and collected marine organisms for the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Bozanic will also examine how scientific diving has evolved over nearly four decades and emphasize the importance of involving scientists, citizen scientists, Scouts, and young people in meaningful research activities to prepare the next generation for exploration and field science.

Jeffrey E. Bozanic, Ph.D., is an accomplished scientific, technical, cave, ice, and rebreather diver, educator, author, and expedition leader with more than five decades of experience and approximately 70 scientific diving expeditions worldwide. Since beginning Antarctic research diving in 1989, he has supported scientific operations at McMurdo and Palmer Stations, conducted equipment testing, and led research expeditions exploring polar environments. He is a Research Associate at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and President of Next Generation Services, and he has authored Mastering Rebreathers and served as lead Technical Editor of The NOAA Diving Manual. Recognized with several prestigious diving awards, Bozanic led a 2026 Antarctic Peninsula expedition that collected specimens at 11 dive sites while supporting additional research projects. As an Eagle Scout, he is also committed to involving young people in scientific exploration and field research, combining his expertise in diving, research, education, and expedition leadership to inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers.