Evan Forde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Evan B. Forde
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| Born |
Miami, Florida
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| Education | Bachelor's degree in Geology Master's degree in Marine Geology and Geophysics |
| Alma mater | Columbia University |
| Occupation | Oceanographer |
| Employer | NOAA |
| Awards | Congressional Commendation, 2008 South Florida Federal Employee of the Year, 2009 Administrator's and Technology Transfer Award, 2011 |
Evan B. Forde is a famous American oceanographer. He works at the Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory (AOML). This lab is part of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Mr. Forde was the first African-American scientist to explore the ocean in a special underwater vehicle called a submersible. He is known for his knowledge about how deep ocean valleys, called submarine canyons, are formed. His work also helps us understand how hurricanes develop by using satellites.
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Evan Forde's Journey to Science
Evan Forde was born in Miami, Florida. He went to public schools in Miami-Dade County. He loved learning about the Earth and the ocean. In 1974, he earned his first college degree in Geology. This degree focused on oceanography. Later, he earned a master's degree from Columbia University. This degree was in marine geology and geophysics.
Even before finishing college, Evan Forde started working. In the summer of 1973, he joined NOAA's Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory (AOML). He worked in their Marine Geology and Geophysics lab. Mr. Forde often says that the famous French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau inspired him greatly. Cousteau's adventures made him want to explore the ocean too.
Exploring the Ocean's Secrets
After college, Mr. Forde worked at NOAA AOML in Miami. He helped create maps of the Atlantic Ocean floor. In 1979, he made history. He became the first African-American oceanographer to go on a research trip in a submersible. This special underwater vehicle was called the Nekton Gamma. He later explored in other submersibles like the Alvin in 1980 and the Johnson Sea Link in 1981.
One important discovery he made was a huge underwater landslide. This happened off the coast of New Jersey. It was so big that it stopped some offshore drilling plans in 1980.
Mr. Forde also started studying hydrothermal plumes. These are like hot springs on the ocean floor. He also used satellites to track hurricanes. His goal was to make hurricane predictions better. This research helps us know where hurricanes might go and how strong they could become. His work also includes preparing for hurricanes and reducing their dangers. He even studied how dust storms from Africa can affect hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean.
Because of his deep knowledge of marine geology, Mr. Forde became an expert. He understood how submarine canyons form and change along the U.S. East Coast. He also studied how sediments move down continental slopes. He mapped hydrothermal plumes in 3D. Plus, he researched how the ocean and air exchange carbon dioxide.
Teaching and Helping Others
Evan Forde is also passionate about science education. He wrote science experiments for children's magazines like "Science Corner." He also made a "Severe Weather Poster" for NOAA. This poster was given to 50,000 teachers across the country. He has talked to over 40,000 students about his exciting career.
He even taught a college course about tropical meteorology. For middle schoolers, he created a special oceanography course. It's called "Oceanographic Curriculum Empowering Achievement in Natural Sciences" (OCEANS). His work has been shown in three museum exhibits. Many books and articles have featured him as a notable African American scientist.
Beyond science, Mr. Forde helps his community in many ways. He has been a PTA President and a Scoutmaster. He coached youth basketball and taught Sunday School. He also worked to fight food scarcity in his community. He supports programs that ensure fair opportunities for everyone at NOAA.
Awards and Special Honors
Mr. Forde has received many awards for his important work. In 2001, he was named NOAA Research Employee of the Year. In 2008, he was honored as South Florida's Federal Employee of the Year. This was for his great service to the community. He also received a special commendation from Congress.
To celebrate his achievements, "Evan B. Forde" days were held. These were in North Miami on February 10, 2009, and in Miami-Dade County on April 21, 2009. In 2011, he received the NOAA Administrator's Award. This award recognized his excellent way of sharing NOAA's science with others. He has also won many other awards for his career and community service.
