Dr. Kim Bernard is a National Geographic Explorer and a Professor of Ocean Ecology and Biogeochemistry in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at Oregon State University. She is particularly interested in small, shrimp-like crustaceans known as euphausiids (or krill) that are a fundamental part of marine food webs globally. Much of her research has been focused on Antarctic krill, an essential species supporting the food web of the Southern Ocean. Her research explores the intricate interactions between krill and their changing environments, assessing the impacts of climate change and other anthropogenic stressors on their behavior, distribution, and survival. In 2018, Dr. Bernard was awarded one of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s prestigious Early Career Grants for her research on Antarctic krill. She is also the recipient of the U.S. Antarctic Service Medal in recognition of her valuable contributions to exploration and scientific achievement under the United States Antarctic Program. Dr. Bernard’s extensive fieldwork, totaling over 49 months in Antarctica, informs her nuanced understanding of polar ecosystems and underpins her advocacy for sustainable marine policies. As a recognized leader in Antarctic marine science and zooplankton ecology, she contributes her expertise to several international committees, including as an Executive Member of the Scientific Committee for Antarctic Research Krill Expert Group and the Zooplankton Lead on the Biology and Ecosystem Panel of the Global Ocean Observing System, driving forward global efforts in marine conservation. Dr. Bernard has also been elected to contribute to major national programs including serving on the National Academy of Science Future Directions for Southern Ocean and Antarctic Nearshore and Coastal Research Consensus Study Committee (2022-2024) and on the ad hoc Subcommittee of the NSF Office of Polar Programs Advisory Committee on the US Antarctic Program’s Research Vessel Procurement (2018-2019).
Cruises:
