Holly Martel Bourbon
About Holly Martel Bourbon
Holly Martel Bourbon serves as the Director of Dive Programs and Diving Safety Officer at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. With over three decades of experience in marine life and diving safety, she has played a key role in developing dive safety protocols and has extensive expertise in fisheries biology.
Current Role at National Aquarium
Holly Martel Bourbon serves as the Director of Dive Programs and Diving Safety Officer at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. She has held this position since 2017. In addition to her role as Director, she also functions as the Curator of Fishes and Dive Safety Officer, a position she has maintained since 2012. Her responsibilities include overseeing dive safety protocols and managing dive programs, ensuring the safety and well-being of both divers and marine life.
Previous Experience at New England Aquarium
Before joining the National Aquarium, Holly Martel Bourbon worked at the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts, for 18 years. She held the positions of Senior Aquarist and Diving Safety Officer from 1987 to 2005. During her tenure, she contributed to various aspects of aquarium operations, including dive safety and marine life care, and was notably the first-ever penguin intern at the facility.
Education and Expertise
Holly Martel Bourbon earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Holyoke College, where she studied from 1983 to 1987. Her educational background is complemented by extensive experience in fisheries biology and dive safety. She possesses advanced diving certifications and has a strong foundation in marine fisheries, contributing to her expertise in the conservation and study of aquatic ecosystems.
Diving Experience and Expeditions
Holly Martel Bourbon is an expert scuba diver with extensive experience in cold-water diving, particularly in New England. She has participated in a diving expedition to Antarctica, a goal she pursued for nearly 15 years. To prepare for this trip, she brushed up on her cold-water diving skills and dived in the Atlantic Coral Reef exhibit at the National Aquarium. She traveled to Antarctica with her husband, Bill Bourbon.
Background and Interests
Holly Martel Bourbon has a long-standing career in aquariums, accumulating over three decades of experience in various roles related to marine life and diving safety. She has a passion for animals, travel, and adventure, which has driven her career choices and personal interests. Initially, she undertook veterinary studies with the intention of becoming a farm vet, reflecting her dedication to animal welfare.