Ellen J. Prager

Ellen Prager, PhD is a marine scientist and author, widely recognized for her expertise and ability to make science entertaining and understandable for people of all ages. She currently works as a freelance writer, consultant, and Chief Scientist for StormCenter Communications, Inc. She was previously the science advisor for Celebrity Cruises in the Galapagos Islands, Chief Scientist for the Aquarius Reef Base program in Key Largo, FL, which includes the world’s only undersea research station, and at one time the Assistant Dean at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. Dr. Prager has built a national reputation as a scientist and spokesperson for the earth and ocean sciences and is a sought-after speaker for public-oriented events. She has appeared on The Today Show and NBC News, Good Morning America, CNN, Fox News, CBS Early Show, The Weather Channel, in shows for the Discovery Channel and was a consultant for the Disney movie, Moana.

Dr. Prager focuses much of her time on bringing earth and ocean science to the public through writing, working with the media, creating innovative partnerships, and speaking events. She and her co-author, meteorologist Dave Jones, have a popular science book entitled, Megalodons, Mermaids, and Climate Change: Answers to your ocean and atmosphere questions, coming out October 2024 with Columbia University Press. Her previous publication Dangerous Earth: What We Wish We Knew About Volcanoes, Hurricanes, Climate Change, Earthquakes and More took an engaging look at what scientists wish they knew about some of the planet’s most powerful forces. Her latest novel for middle graders, Escape Undersea, is full of fast-paced adventure, humor, and relatable characters with teenage angst; the book also includes science, conservation, and fun learning. It is the third book in a series entitled The Wonder List Adventures published by Tumblehome Learning. The first book in her previous middle grade series, The Shark Whisperer, has been called “an underwater Harry Potter”. Dr. Prager’s previous popular science book, Sex, Drugs, and Sea Slime: The Oceans’ Oddest Creatures and Why They Matter, took an entertaining look at marine biodiversity, its relevance to the average person, and why ocean life and resources are now at risk. Ocean advocate Carl Safina says of the book, “A great book for beginners and one even experts can learn from and enjoy—this is possibly the best general book ever written on creatures of the deep.” It has also been called hilarious, tastefully salacious, and fascinating. She has written articles for scientific journals, public-oriented magazines, and several other books including Chasing Science at Sea: Racing hurricanes, stalking sharks, and living undersea with ocean experts and The Oceans. Dr. Prager has also published a series of children’s books with the National Geographic Society, the first SAND received the 2000 Parents Choice Award, it was followed by Volcano and then Earthquakes.

Dr. Prager has participated in research expeditions to places such as the Galapagos Islands, Papua New Guinea, Caribbean, Bahamas, and the deep waters of the Florida Reef tract. She obtained a BA from Wesleyan University, Connecticut, a MS from the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, and in 1992, a PhD from Louisiana State University.

In 1992, as a faculty scientist at Sea Education Association (SEA) in Woods Hole, MA, Dr. Prager taught oceanography to undergraduates, teachers, and senior citizens in a unique educational program in which classroom learning is supplemented by extensive hands-on experience at sea aboard tall sailing ships. She later became the resident director of the National Undersea Research Center in the Bahamas. In 1997, she joined the U.S. Geological Survey where she split her time between scientific research in marine geology, oceanography, and coral reefs and public education. During 1998, the International Year of the Ocean (YOTO), Dr. Prager co-chaired the subcommittee on research, exploration, and education for the National Ocean Conference presided by the President and Vice President. Dr. Prager was a member and then Chairman of the Ocean Research and Resources Advisory Panel for the federal government and was hired by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy to help write their report to Congress and the President. She continues to focus her efforts on developing innovative and entertaining ways to share her passion for the oceans and the environment with others.