Cindy Lee Van Dover

Cindy Lee Van Dover is a deep-sea biologist and the Harvey W Smith Distinguished Professor of Biological Oceanography at Duke University. She serves as Chair of Duke's Division of Marine Science and Conservation and Director of the Duke University Marine Laboratory in Beaufort, N.C. Her research focuses on chemosynthetic ecosystems, biodiversity, and deep-sea policy frameworks.

• Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography, MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (1989)
• M.A. in Ecology, UCLA (1985)
• B.S. in Biological Oceanography, Rutgers University (1977)

Van Dover's work spans deep-sea ecology, hydrothermal vent biodiversity, and environmental policy. She investigates gene flow in vent invertebrates, ecological impacts of deep-sea mining, and conservation strategies for chemosynthetic ecosystems. Her research integrates field programs using submersibles and telepresence technologies to study vent connectivity and microbial roles in extreme environments.

Her scientific leadership includes 80+ peer-reviewed publications and roles as Chief Scientist in NSF- and NOAA-sponsored expeditions. She pioneered studies on geothermal light at vents and deep-sea symbiosis, with recent work on dual symbiotic relationships in vent snails and methane seep ecology.

• Virginia Outstanding Scientist (2006)
• Fulbright Scholar (France 2004)
• Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science
• Mines Medal for Leadership and Innovation
• NSF Career Awardee

Van Dover's grants include NSF EAGER funding for deep-submergence science leadership and Pew Charitable Trusts' support for deep-sea mining impact assessments. She leads interdisciplinary initiatives like Science and Art at the Moment of Discovery, integrating artists into marine research expeditions.

Her outreach includes authoring two books: Deep-Ocean Journeys for public audiences and The Ecology of Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vents as the first textbook in the field. Her work has been featured in Science News, Discover Magazine, and National Public Radio.