Tom Potts is a leader in ocean conservation and undersea research operations, with over 30 years’ experience advancing marine science, environmental stewardship, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Driven by a belief in pushing boundaries, he has led pioneering initiatives that deepen our understanding of ocean ecosystems while championing their protection.
I’ve spent more than three decades working at the intersection of marine science, conservation, and exploration. My career has focused on building and leading complex research programs, often bringing together scientists, engineers, educators, and policymakers to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our ocean.
I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate on groundbreaking conservation initiatives, innovative space and extreme environment mission operations, and to manage large-scale programs with multimillion-dollar budgets.
I’m also passionate about education. I was one of the founders of the Aquarius Academy and the Aquarius Advanced Training Program to help train and inspire the next generation of ocean professionals. Alongside this, I actively contribute to public engagement through speaking, writing, and outreach.
At DEEP, I focus onstrategic planning, permitting and environmental compliance, and stakeholder engagement for habitat operations. Drawing on over 30 years of experience, including my time at the Aquarius Reef Base, I’m supporting the successful deployment of Vanguard and working with scientists,engineers, conservationists, and educators to conduct and disseminate cutting-edge research using DEEP subsea and land-based assets.
My work centers on applying lessons learned from managing complex projects in challenging environments to help shape robust, scalable plans. I collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams and external partners to navigate obstacles, align stakeholders, and drive progress toward our goals.
What I enjoy most about working at DEEP is the opportunity to push the boundaries of what’s possible in ocean exploration. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that is both mission-driven and innovative, where collaboration across disciplines leads to real-world impact.
It’s a rewarding opportunity to contribute to meaningful advancements in ocean exploration and help bring innovative ideas to life.
