President's Slate
October 2025

Fall is here! Time for pumpkin spice lattes and Halloween fun!

Along with the changing leaves comes a reminder that the next Diving Safety Program (DSP) Orientation is just around the corner. Hosted by the University of Rhode Island, the orientation will be held on October 26th in Narragansett, Rhode Island. This is a fantastic opportunity for new DSOs, DCB members, and Dive Program associates to expand their knowledge of AAUS and meet members of the BOD.

We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 awards and scholarships! This year’s honorees include multiple awardees of the FINNS Scholarship and the Cheryl Thacker Diving Safety Professional Training Scholarship, as well as recipients of the PhD and Master’s Scholarships. Please see the full list of names and awards below. Congratulations to all this year’s awardees!

If you are interested in supporting these scholarships, please consider donating to the AAUS Foundation. With the Giving Season just around the corner, we are grateful that your past generous contributions have allowed us to award multiple FINNS Scholarships this year. We would love to continue this momentum into next year. Donations can be made directly on the Foundation’s website.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with members of the Australia New Zealand Scientific Diving Association (ANZSDA) about AAUS. Invited by ANZSDA’s current President, Jane Ruckert, I shared the importance and processes behind the collection of AAUS statistics and the dive logging system. The discussion was well received. ANZSDA is currently in a foundational building period, and supporting our international partners ultimately strengthens the global scientific diving community. If you would like to know more about ANZSDA, you can find out more at their website. 

We close this month’s message with heavy hearts as we mourn the loss of Jeff Christiansen. Four years ago, Jeff retired from the Seattle Aquarium, where he helped develop and shape the dive program alongside Joel Hollander. His passion for diving and his lasting impact on the AAUS community will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Jess Keller

AAUS President