Dr. Tierney Thys is a biologist, filmmaker, Research Associate at the California Academy of Science, and National Geographic Explorer. Her diverse research and outreach projects include mapping connections between nature and human wellbeing through brain imaging in partnership with Stanford University; quantifying nature’s effect on incarcerated populations in partnership with the University of Utah; satellite tracking marine megafauna throughout the world’s oceans; and researching sustainable textile solutions to fast fashion pollution. For seven years, Dr. Thys was the Daily Explorer in the online game Animal Jam (100 million registered players). She is a world expert on molidae, the giant ocean sunfishes, and recently co-edited the first academic book on the family molidae. As past Director of Research for Sea Studios Foundation, she helped produce the NSF-funded PBS documentary series Strange Days on Planet Earth and Shape of Life. Dr. Thys also serves as an expert for numerous National Geographic itineraries each year and has traveled to more than 60 countries. She is a TED All-Star speaker, frequent TEDed contributor, was a member of the TED braintrust, and serves on the science advisory board for the innovation think tank ThinkBeyondPlastic.