Dr. Cindy Van Dover is a groundbreaking deep sea explorer and esteemed professor at Duke University. With a masters degree in Ecology from University of California, Los Angeles and a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the MIT/Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute joint program, Van Dover was bound to conduct revolutionary work. Yet, she is a prime example of a female marine scientist who worked her way up; at the time, many did not believe she could become so revolutionary in the field.
Van Dover’s career as a submarine pilot was fueled by her relentless persistence and genuine passion for deep sea exploration. It is evident that Van Dover yearned to spend as much time in the field as possible since she trained to be a submarine pilot and an oceanographer simultaneously. She realized that spending a plethora of time in the submersible with extraordinary scientists would be a remarkable and effective way to become a knowledgeable ecologist.
It took many 5:00 am shifts cleaning windows on the submarine before she was finally allowed to go on her first dive in Alvin, the submersible that is owned by the United States Navy and operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Van Dover was ecstatic and in awe after her first dive; Alvin landed on tubeworms and they had just discovered hydrothermal vents a few years before. With her curious and adventurous spirit, she was amazed at the wonders of the deep sea. She immediately knew that submarine operation was her calling and Alvin would become the future home to many of her dives.
Van Dover was so thrilled by the idea of operating the submersible that even the repeated assignments of laborious maintenance tasks felt exciting! After volunteering for as many shifts as possible, battling the hazing by the all male Alvin crew, learning all ten systems of Alvin, feeling defeated after long emotional days, writing the first draft maintenance manual for Alvin, and more, Van Dover was finally certified to operate Alvin. In 1990, Cindy Van Dover became the first female to pilot the submarine, Alvin, and she remains the only female to ever pilot this submersible. Even though her training was an extremely intense process, she persevered for the advancement of womankind. Van Dover felt obligated to finish strong and prove all of the men wrong! Dr. Cindy Van Dover set a high standard for all marine scientists to push the limits, question everything, and explore all passions to the fullest.
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