David Gallo

David Gallo is an American oceanographer and Director of Special Projects at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. With over 25 years of experience, Gallo has been at the forefront of ocean exploration, witnessing the development of new technologies and scientific discoveries that shape our view of planet Earth. His presentation "Underwater Astonishments" ranks among the top three most-watched TED Talks to date, with over 8 million views.
Graduating with a bachelor's and master's degree in geology from the State University of New York at Albany and a doctorate in oceanography from the University of Rhode Island, Dave has participated in expeditions in all the world's oceans and was one of the first scientists to use a combination of robots and submarines to explore the deep-sea floor. Recently, he co-led an expedition to create the first detailed and comprehensive map of the RMS Titanic and led the international effort to locate the wreckage of Air France Flight 447. Gallo remains active in promoting the development of new technologies for ocean exploration, serving on James Cameron's Deep Ocean Working Group and the Ocean XPrize Advisory Council.
Increasingly, Gallo expresses his concern about the relation between humanity and the sea, advocating for the recognition of the critical role oceans play in providing air, water, and food. Gallo personally dedicates himself to conveying the importance of ocean exploration to the public, in addition to his participation in documentaries and television news programs. Recognised for his role in exploration and communication, Gallo has received several awards and is a member of various advisory boards related to ocean exploration.