Dr. Tierney Thys is a biologist, filmmaker and Research Associate at California Academy of Sciences. Tierney was named a National Geographic Emerging Explorer in 2004, and has since received numerous grants from the National Geographic Society for a diversity of projects including satellite-tracking marine megafauna, mapping connections between nature and human wellbeing through brain imaging, and quantifying nature’s effect on incarcerated populations. Tierney has traveled to more than 60 countries and joined numerous National Geographic Expeditions—from Baja to Bali and Antarctica to the Galápagos.

As past Director of Research for Sea Studios Foundation, she helped produce award-winning PBS documentaries Strange Days on Planet Earth and Shape of Life, and is now an independent filmmaker and TED All-star speaker. She frequently contributes to TED-Ed, and her film about The Secret Life of Plankton earned recognition as a Wildscreen Panda Winner. Thys also serves on the science advisory board for the innovation think tank, Think Beyond Plastic, and is passionate about sharing the wonders of the world and promoting global stewardship.

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