Born and raised in the Greater Tampa Bay Area, a 15-year-old prodigy is making waves in the world of scuba diving with his plans to embark on a scientific expedition to Antarctica. Meet John Humphreys, a remarkable teenager who is paving the way for his generation to be the game-changers of the diving world!
Diving into Greatness
John’s list of accolades reads like an explorer’s dream. A certified Scientific Diver with the American Academy of UnderwaterSciences (AAUS) and a Level 2 Fish Surveyor with the Reef Environmental Education Foundation (REEF), John’s commitment to underwater sciences is already evident. However, it is his extensive NAUI certifications that truly showcase his expertise:
- Coral Restoration Diver
- Master Scuba Diver
- Rescue Scuba Diver
- Advanced Open Water Diver
- Drysuit Diver
- Nitrox Diver
- Open Water ScubaDiver
Beyond the world of scuba, John has left his mark across various organizations. From earning the prestigious Eagle Scout rank in the Boy Scouts of America to excelling in Sea Scouts, Venturing Scouts, and the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps, John’s dedication to leadership and service is undeniable. His involvement in 4-H, Civil Air Patrol, and receiving awards like the Gold Level of the President’s Volunteer Service Award and the Silver Medal of The Congressional Award further solidify his commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Paving the Way for Future Game Changers
What truly sets John apart is his clear vision for the future. His passion for scientific diving, coral restoration, and environmental stewardship aligns seamlessly with NAUI’s commitment to responsible diving practices. But John’s aspirations don’t stop at the ocean floor. His dream? To be a mission commander in the space industry, specializing in Mars exploration and colonization.
Now, John has been approved to embark on a scientific expedition to Antarctica with Blue Green Expeditions from February to March 2024. As part of the Citizen Scientist Antarctic Expedition, John will contribute to the 150th-anniversary celebration of the HMS Challenger’s crossing of the southern polar circle. His involvement in three scientific teams, conducting benthic video surveys, collecting jellyfish and plankton samples, and participating in surface snorkeling activities, will provide a better understanding of the Antarctic region.
Overall, this expedition to Antarctica aims to create a crucial baseline of data on the benthic floor, invasive species, sea star wasting disease, and plankton samples. In a world rapidly changing due to various factors, John’s dedication to preserving and understanding Antarctica’s unique ecosystem is both commendable and essential.
The Power of Community Support
But embarking on a Citizen Scientist Antarctic Expedition is no small feat, especially when it involves extensive scientific research in one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth. The costs associated with travel, accommodation, specialized equipment, and expedition fees add up quickly, but John has no plan to stop any time soon and, when he isn’t diving, is working diligently to raise $60,000 to cover this life-changing expedition.
John is actively seeking sponsors, donors, and supporters to be a part of this groundbreaking expedition. Contributions, whether big or small, will play a pivotal role in ensuring that John can fully dedicate himself to the scientific pursuits and data collection that will benefit our understanding of Antarctica’s delicate ecosystem. But his vision extends beyond personal accomplishment; it’s about inspiring the next generation and empowering them to explore and push the boundaries of what young minds can achieve.
As John charts a course towards Antarctica, he invites the global community to be a part of this transformative expedition. Every contribution, whether financial or through sharing his story, is a step towards empowering the next generation of scuba enthusiasts and environmental stewards. Join John on this thrilling adventure, and together, let’s break new ground beneath the waves!
To donate and learn more about John, visit: http://amazingjohnjohn.com