Dr. Stephen R. Hammond, Chief Scientist
NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory

Stephen R. Hammond is Chief Scientist for the NOAA Ocean Exploration program and Division Leader for the Ocean Environment Research Division of the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory. His research during the past 20 years has focused on geological and geophysical processes associated with volcanic and hydrothermal processes at seafloor spreading centers.  During this time, he has been the Program Manager of the NOAA Vents Program, which is dedicated to discovering and quantifying the physical, chemical, and biological impacts of submarine volcanism on marine environments and ecosystems.