Stephen Palumbi

Steve teaches and does research in evolution and marine biology at Stanford University, and has long been fascinated by how quickly the world around us changes. His work on the genomics of marine organisms tries to focus on basic evolutionary questions but also on practical solutions to questions about how to preserve and protect the diverse life in the sea.

Steve has lectured extensively on human-induced evolutionary change, has used genetic detective work to identify whales for sale in retail markets, and is working to use biotechnology to find corals resistant to climate change. Steve’s latest book for non-scientists is about the amazing species in the sea, written with Steve’s son and novelist Anthony. The Extreme Life of the Sea tells you about the fastest species in the sea, and hottest, coldest, oldest etc.

Steve holds a PhD from the University of Washington, and has received numerous awards for research and conservation. He is an elected member of the US National Academies of Sciences, and a Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation.  He lives in Pacific Grove, CA.