- Assistant Professor, Adjunct at School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- INF Contractor at University of Alaska Fairbanks
- Faculty Member at Roosevelt University
- Faculty Member at Columbia College Chicago
- Former Philosophizer at Dead Poets Society
- Worked at Lynn Funkhouser Photography
- Studied Law at DePaul University Juris Doctorate Class of 2004
- Studied Marine Science at UNSW Class of 1996
- Studied Fine Arts at Columbia College
- Award winning underwater photographer
Our Mission
Ocean Matters is a group of Marine Biologist, Oceanographers, Underwater Photographers and SCUBA enthusiasts trying to make a difference. Conservation through education. All have experience with public speaking education. All are passionate about the Ocean and truly enjoy sharing their experiences with students. We all had our own inspiration to start on the path we did; and would like nothing more than to be that inspiration to the next generation. We can customize a presentation to fit any lesson or curriculum. Or trust us to introducing you to something new all together.
About Us
Michele Hoffman
Alex Rose
- Science Editor at Ocean Geographic
- Founder and owner of Blue Ring
- Worked at John G Shedd Aquarium as a diver
- Award winning underwater photographer
Vince Kelly
Volunteer and employee at the John G Shedd Aquarium for 20 years where I worked in the Marine Mammal husbandry department assisting in the training and veterinary care of their Pacific white sided dolphins, Beluga whales, Sea Otters, Harbor Seals and 3 species of penguins.
Hand raised 72 Gentoo penguins from eggs.. Gave educational presentations to visitors and students from both underwater and above.
Have been diving all over the world including with Great White Sharks and a night dive with Manta Rays.
The ocean and all its inhabitants are my passion and S.C.U.B.A. Allows me to have a connection most never have.
Founder of Ocean Matters.
Marine Mammals Diver
I dove the Oceanarium and was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the exhibit as well as the enrichment toys for the animals.
Caribbean Reef Diver
Responsible for cleaning and maintaining the habitat. Feeding the hundreds of animals including sharks, rays, barracuda, moray eels and many many more. Logging the pertinent information and tracking the data. Gave an educational presentation underwater while feeding the animals via a full face mask with underwater microphone.
Wild Reef Diver
Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of the habitat as well as preparing the food and feeding some of the animals.
Lab
Responsible for collecting water samples, testing water quality and logging data.
Guest Interpretation
Responsible for guest experiences. Ensuring an Educational and entertaining experience. Answering questions and giving educational presentations.