We are thrilled to announce that four new members have accepted an invitation from the existing Steering Committee members and Executive Director to join the DOSI Steering Committee team!
Beatriz Naranjo Elizondo is a Costa Rican marine biologist dedicated to advancing deep-sea science and conservation in her region. Beatriz works as an independent consultant and collaborates on deep-sea research at the Universidad de Costa Rica as part of the Deep Ocean Alliance in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Beatriz also co-leads Costa Rica Desconocida (Unknown Costa Rica), an interdisciplinary initiative aimed at strengthening scientific research and building a deeper public connection to these unique and vulnerable ecosystems, promoting their knowledge and conservation.
Christine Gaebel is an interdisciplinary researcher and ocean governance expert with a background in marine science and international law. Christine is a familiar face to many in DOSI and a key member of the DOSI Core Team, having co-led the BBNJ Working Group since 2023. Having completed her PhD in 2025, Christine is now a Research Associate with the Nippon Foundation – University of Edinburgh Ocean Voices Programme.
Hannah Lily is a lawyer and legal expert in ocean law, particularly seabed mining, with over 25 years of experience working for governments, NGOs and intergovernmental organisations. Hannah has been a DOSI member since 2014. She previously sat on DOSI’s Advisory Board and is also an active member of the Minerals Working Group, where her legal insight and knowledge add great strength to DOSI’s efforts at the science-policy interface.
Jeff Ardron is the Africa Oceans Director for The Nature Conservancy, based in Mombasa, overseeing marine conservation across Angola, Gabon, Kenya, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, and Tanzania. With over 30 years of experience, Jeff is a leader and international expert in marine and environmental governance, policy, planning and conservation. Jeff was an inaugural member of DOSI, having attended the workshop from which DOSI was born in Mexico City in 2013, and has participated as an Advisory Board member and in many Working Group activities since.
The Steering Committee oversees the strategic direction of the DOSI programme of work, ensuring that our core principles are upheld throughout. The addition of the new members reflects continued efforts to strengthen governance and broaden expertise within DOSI leadership. The new members will join the sitting Steering Committee members, Lisa Levin, Elva Escobar, Maria Baker (founding members) and Maila Guilhon (SC since 2023).
We are excited to be working with Beatriz, Christine, Hannah and Jeff, who will help to continue to drive DOSI onwards and upwards!