Evan B Forde
Evan B Forde was born in Miami, Florida in 1952. He got his education in a regular public school, his dad was a science teacher, sparking his passion and love for science. As a kid Evan had telescopes, microscopes, chemistry set, ETC, with the urge to become a scientist already as a young kid. Evan went to Columbia University in New York City, received his bachelor's degree in Geology, Marine Geology, and Geophysicics. Later on he worked in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Evan was the first African American Scientist to be a part of submersible research dives in 1979, on his dive to Nekton Gamma. Evan was a crucial factor to the understanding of underwater geological structures. One significant finding that built his character was a submarine sediment slide off on the Coast of New Jersey. This was a crucial finding because this led to the end of oil rigs and gas offshore drilling leases, within that New Jersey Shoreline. This finding also helped scientists understand how continental slopes evolve and sea floor structure formation.
Evan stayed in the science career and led/taught a lot of STEM education to younger individuals and kids, he even authored magazines for kids. Later in his career he got the NOAA’s Administrator reward. Evan was a basketball coach, Scoutmaster, a Congressional Commendation, South Florida's Federal Employee of the year. In Miami county on April 21, 2009 he had a day named after himself to honor him, Evan B Forde Day.
Throughout his years of experience and expertise, Evan helped shape the maritime industry in terms of safety practices for the depths of the water. Resource management, making offshore drilling more efficient and effective. But also exploration practices, mapping the sea floor with submersibles and sonar systems. This helps with navigation on the water and placement of pipes and cables and regular maritime infrastructure.
I am inspired by how Evan grew up with a passion for science and oceanographer, and marine geology. Pursued that passion after reaching a growing age, and how his passion and skills led up to such key findings within the scientist and maritime industry.
Evan was an inspiration to many people trying to pursue a Science career, as he broke racial barriers in Ocean Science. Throughout history the science industry and ocean science industry have lacked people of color in those industries, but Evan has been honored to be a part of that history.