Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D
Keynote Speaker: Founder & CEO of Ocean Rescue Alliance International; Marine Restoration Scientist and Ocean Solutions Leader; Climate Resilience and Blue Economy Expert; Workforce Development and Community Engagement Leader; Ph.D. in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D Biography
Dr. Shelby Thomas is an ocean solutionist with a master's degree in marine ecology and a Ph.D. in fisheries and aquatic sciences from the University of Florida. Dr. Thomas has led or contributed to more than 40 marine restoration projects globally, spanning coral, seagrass, oyster, sea urchin and scallop restoration. Her work uniquely bridges rigorous science with scalable, real-world solutions that resonate with corporate, academic, nonprofit and policy-driven audiences.
As founder and chief executive officer of Ocean Rescue Alliance International, known as ORAI, Dr. Thomas leads integrated ocean solutions that combine ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, workforce development and coastal community engagement. Her keynote presentations focus on turning research into deployable impact, demonstrating how science-backed restoration can regenerate marine ecosystems while supporting sustainable livelihoods and blue economy growth. That combination makes her especially well-suited for paid keynote talks, corporate sustainability events, leadership conferences and live or virtual engagements.
Previously, Dr. Thomas served as head laboratory director at AMEC Foster Wheeler, where she oversaw seven concurrent restoration initiatives, managing complex teams and operations at scale. Her leadership at the intersection of science, innovation and execution sets her apart as a speaker who delivers both inspiration and actionable insight.
Dr. Thomas's work and leadership have been recognized nationally and internationally with honors including the NSF Florida-Georgia Louis Stokes Alliance, McNair Fellow, Challenge 2050, Aylesworth Scholar and multiple Stevie Awards, where she was named Most Inventive Woman of the Year, Woman of the Year and Top Executive of the Year. She also has been recognized as a Tampa Titan and is a TEDx speaker.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D and other top speakers and celebrities.
Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D Speaking Topics
Technology is rapidly transforming what’s possible for ocean restoration and conservation. This talk explores how tools such as AI, remote sensing, robotics, data platforms, and digital storytelling are accelerating marine recovery while increasing transparency, scalability, and impact. Drawing on real-world restoration efforts, this session demonstrates how innovation can enhance, not replace, human stewardship of nature. Attendees will learn how emerging technologies can support ecosystem monitoring, restoration design, policy decisions, and cross-sector collaboration. The focus is on practical, ethical, and accessible tech solutions that empower communities, scientists, and organizations to restore oceans faster and smarter in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss.
The future economy must work with nature, not against it. This session unpacks the Blue Economy as a powerful framework for aligning ecological restoration with economic opportunity. Participants will explore how regenerative business models can protect marine ecosystems while creating jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening coastal communities. Through case studies and lessons learned, this talk highlights how organizations, entrepreneurs, and governments can design ventures that generate measurable environmental returns alongside financial sustainability. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how nature-positive economics can move from theory to practice—and why restoration is one of the smartest investments of our time.
Art has the unique power to connect people emotionally to complex issues and inspire action where data alone cannot. This talk explores how creative expression can be used as a bridge between science, policy, and the public to deepen understanding of ocean and environmental challenges. Through immersive installations, storytelling, and participatory experiences, art becomes a catalyst for awareness, empathy, and behavior change. Attendees will learn how art-driven engagement can mobilize communities, influence decision-makers, and create shared ownership of restoration efforts. This session demonstrates why emotional connection is essential for lasting environmental change and how art can activate it at scale.
Sustainable leadership starts with personal wellbeing and a deep connection to nature. This talk invites leaders to rethink success by integrating wellness, purpose, and environmental stewardship into how they lead teams, organizations, and movements. Drawing from leadership development and nature-based practices, the session explores how reconnecting with the natural world enhances clarity, resilience, and long-term vision. Attendees will discover how aligning personal values with professional action transforms passion into purpose reducing burnout while increasing impact. This talk offers a grounded, human-centered approach to leadership that benefits people, organizations, and the planet.
Restoration at scale requires more than science, it requires people, policy, and shared understanding. This session explores how ocean literacy, inclusive policy frameworks, and community engagement work together to accelerate marine restoration efforts. Attendees will learn how informed communities become powerful advocates, how policy can enable or limit impact, and why collaboration across sectors is essential for long-term success. By translating complex ocean science into accessible knowledge and actionable pathways, this talk highlights how education and engagement unlock momentum for restoration initiatives worldwide. The session equips participants with strategies to build public trust, influence policy, and scale solutions that last.
Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D Videos
How do I book Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D speak about?
Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Thought Leadership, Disruptive Thinking, Conservation, Animals & Wildlife, Futurism, Business Leadership, Leadership, Executive Leadership, Art & Design, Environmental Activism, Digital Transformation, Women in Tech, Human Resources, Sustainability, Strategic Leadership and Research & Exploration.
Where does Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D travel from?
Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D generally travels from Miami, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Thought Leadership, Disruptive Thinking and Conservation. The estimated speaking fee range to book Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D for live events is Below $10,000, and for virtual events Below $10,000. Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D generally travels from Miami, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Dr. David Bray, Snezana Zivcevska-Stalpers and Daniel Stanton. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D Speaking Topics
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Using Modern Technology to Advance Marine Restoration & Conservation
Technology is rapidly transforming what’s possible for ocean restoration and conservation. This talk explores how tools such as AI, remote sensing, robotics, data platforms, and digital storytelling are accelerating marine recovery while increasing transparency, scalability, and impact. Drawing on real-world restoration efforts, this session demonstrates how innovation can enhance, not replace, human stewardship of nature. Attendees will learn how emerging technologies can support ecosystem monitoring, restoration design, policy decisions, and cross-sector collaboration. The focus is on practical, ethical, and accessible tech solutions that empower communities, scientists, and organizations to restore oceans faster and smarter in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss.
-
Blue Economy: Building Business Models for Nature
The future economy must work with nature, not against it. This session unpacks the Blue Economy as a powerful framework for aligning ecological restoration with economic opportunity. Participants will explore how regenerative business models can protect marine ecosystems while creating jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening coastal communities. Through case studies and lessons learned, this talk highlights how organizations, entrepreneurs, and governments can design ventures that generate measurable environmental returns alongside financial sustainability. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how nature-positive economics can move from theory to practice—and why restoration is one of the smartest investments of our time.
-
Using Art as a Connection Tool and Catalyst for Change
Art has the unique power to connect people emotionally to complex issues and inspire action where data alone cannot. This talk explores how creative expression can be used as a bridge between science, policy, and the public to deepen understanding of ocean and environmental challenges. Through immersive installations, storytelling, and participatory experiences, art becomes a catalyst for awareness, empathy, and behavior change. Attendees will learn how art-driven engagement can mobilize communities, influence decision-makers, and create shared ownership of restoration efforts. This session demonstrates why emotional connection is essential for lasting environmental change and how art can activate it at scale.
-
Leadership: Turning Passion into Purpose Through Wellness & Nature
Sustainable leadership starts with personal wellbeing and a deep connection to nature. This talk invites leaders to rethink success by integrating wellness, purpose, and environmental stewardship into how they lead teams, organizations, and movements. Drawing from leadership development and nature-based practices, the session explores how reconnecting with the natural world enhances clarity, resilience, and long-term vision. Attendees will discover how aligning personal values with professional action transforms passion into purpose reducing burnout while increasing impact. This talk offers a grounded, human-centered approach to leadership that benefits people, organizations, and the planet.
-
Ocean Literacy, Policy & Community Engagement as Scaling Tools for Restoration
Restoration at scale requires more than science, it requires people, policy, and shared understanding. This session explores how ocean literacy, inclusive policy frameworks, and community engagement work together to accelerate marine restoration efforts. Attendees will learn how informed communities become powerful advocates, how policy can enable or limit impact, and why collaboration across sectors is essential for long-term success. By translating complex ocean science into accessible knowledge and actionable pathways, this talk highlights how education and engagement unlock momentum for restoration initiatives worldwide. The session equips participants with strategies to build public trust, influence policy, and scale solutions that last.
VIDEO
Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D Videos
FAQS
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How do I book Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D are Below $10,000 for live events and Below $10,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D speak about?
Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Thought Leadership, Disruptive Thinking, Conservation, Animals & Wildlife, Futurism, Business Leadership, Leadership, Executive Leadership, Art & Design, Environmental Activism, Digital Transformation, Women in Tech, Human Resources, Sustainability, Strategic Leadership and Research & Exploration. -
Where does Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D travel from?
Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D generally travels from Miami, FL, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Dr. Shelby Thomas, Ph.D or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
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