Kate Sutter | Programmer | Scuba Diver | Conservationist

Kate Sutter is a multi-talented conservationist, programmer and scuba enthusiast working towards the protection of the ocean and all marine life. Born and raised in Berkley, California, Kate began her journey at the American Museum of Natural History where she got inspired to create new ways to engage the public with science.

 Today she works exploring the intersection of ocean conservation, technology & communication as an associate Program Officer for LabX presented by the National Academy of Science. Her last job, Image Master at The Ocean Agency, was best known for its involvement with the incredible Netflix documentary Chasing Coral and the game-changing Google Underwater Streetview.

 Currently living in New York, part of Kate’s job entails going into the field and taking 360-degree images of reefs around the world. On the side, she is a PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor teaching classes in wreck diving, deep diving, enriched air, equipment and gas blending.

What is a typical day like for you?

My day-to-day changes every day! Some days I focus on stitching 360’s, creating infographics or catching up on emails and some days I get to dive and explore. I currently work at The National Academies in DC and spend my days reaching out to partners and possible collaborators looking for ways to engage millennials in science and exploration.

What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?

I vividly remember being on a shallow reef with a snorkel. I ended up spending over three hours making the reef a huge bustling city with fish whizzing by to their families, children going to schools (this was pre Nemo), and strangers meeting by the Staghorn coral. It was a magical feeling and I knew I wanted to be part of their community. Finding ways for people to feel the same way I did then is my dream job.

What/who currently inspires you?

I am completely inspired by those combining the constantly evolving technology of our time with ocean conservation. David Lang and Eric Stackpole are doing that at Sofar with their open source underwater ROVs. Schmidt Marine Technologies give grants to those like Fishazam and SafetyNet. I also have this wholehearted appreciation for those who open sourced their work, code and data for the sake of bettering our waters.

ISLANDS IN RAJA AMPAT, INDONESIA

KATE IS A FULLY FAA CERTIFIED PART 107 UAS REMOTE PILOT. THIS ALLOWS HER TO CAPTURE SHOTS WITH A WHOLE NEW PERSPECTIVE FOR BOTH COMMERCIAL AND NON-COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.

What path did you choose after leaving school?

I got my degree in architecture which most people laugh at. Instead of pursuing a more formal path down design, I got a job at The American Museum of Natural History in the exhibitions department. This opportunity let me explore both design and science while experimenting with ways to excite the general public about scientific topics. I then decided to take a year off to explore the world, dive my dream reefs and meet other people who love the ocean as much as I do. I picked up a job as a research assistant in Honduras at the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Centre where I confirmed that working in and around the ocean was what made me the happiest. I came home and have been working in the field ever since.

What have been the biggest challenges you've had to overcome?

I have had lots of people tell me I was dreaming too big. That’s silly. If you want to go into the ocean, pave your own way into that field. Even though I ended up where I wanted, there were so many times where it would have been much easier to settle for a routine 9-5 office job. I have had countless rejections and those have been my biggest challenges. I tried to use these rejections as learning experiences and then somewhere along the way, you get a grant, an offer, or a job that makes everything worth it.

What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?

The basic appreciation for the ocean. We as humans do not yet understand how much the ocean does for us in regards to pollution, sustenance and overall health. I’d love to be able to help understand and find non-traditional ways to help the public appreciate the ocean and what it provides us. 

SHALLOW CORAL REEFS IN RAJA AMPAT, INDONESIA

What do you value most in life?

The unexpected. It’s what makes life spicy and exciting. I’d hate to live a life where I knew exactly what was ahead.

Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?

Two books come to mind:

-       The Unnatural History of the Sea by Callum Roberts

-       The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery 

Both books make you rethink what you know about the ocean and the creatures that depend on it.

What brings you the most joy?

Diving. Especially with the people I love. It’s a mix of utter relaxation, confidence, thrill and euphoria.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

I want to be part of the community that engages masses. I want to be the reason children and adults alike get excited to snorkel, dive, swim or explore the ocean.

Website - katesutter.com

Instagram - @probablykatesutter