Berit Solstad

Berit Solstad grew up on the rocky shores of Marblehead, Massachusetts, where exploring tidepools and seasonal changes along the coast sparked an early fascination with marine life and natural history.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Bates College, where summers working as a whale watch naturalist first introduced her to life at sea. During her undergraduate studies, she conducted coral reef research at a remote field station in the Bahamas and participated in an oceanographic research expedition through an intensive maritime studies program at Mystic Seaport.

Berit later joined the New England Aquarium as a senior educator, where her work ranged from teaching marine science to caring for stranded seal pups, feeding penguin chicks and participating in scientific collecting dives. Eager to return to sea, she went on to work as a scientist and educator aboard traditional sailing ships, leading educational voyages and field programs.

At the University of Massachusetts Boston, Berit taught oceanographic research techniques aboard a research vessel, trained science teachers and managed a college-preparatory program designed to support high-achieving students from underserved communities.

Outside of expedition work, Berit enjoys an active outdoor life that includes sailing, hiking, skiing, biking, kayaking and exploring intertidal ecosystems. She lives in Stowe, Vermont with her husband, and the two recently set off to explore new shores aboard their own sailboat.