About
Mission Summary
Global Oceans is a US-based 501(c)(3) operating foundation designed to integrate and mobilize private-sector resources through our MARV™ research vessel model to expand ocean science research capacity on demand, at a global scale. Global Oceans utilizes this capacity to enable international ocean science collaboration through innovative research and exploration initiatives designed to have a transformative impact on understanding and protecting our ocean planet.
Ocean Science Research
Deep Sea Ocean Research Exploration
ROV Towfish Ocean Research Vessel
Seamounts Ecosystem Biophysical Modeling Research
Arctic Ecosystem Survey ROV Climate
Atmospheric Measurement Ocean Tropical Climate
Contact:
PO Box 455, Granby, CT 06035 USA
+1.847.334.5028
Registered trademarks: Global Oceans®, MARV™, and PolarMARV™ are registered with the US Patent & Trademark Office and are properties of Global Oceans. All rights reserved.
Global Oceans Team
Jim Costopulos - CEO & Founder
Jim Costopulos is the CEO and Founder of Global Oceans. Prior to Global Oceans he was President and equity partner at an industrial products distribution firm focusing on supply chain integration and product management for global industrial clients, and earlier work included start-up ventures and senior management with several manufacturing companies. His experience in supply chain, global logistics, and international business partnerships was instrumental in developing the Global Oceans MARV research vessel model for optimizing mobilization of commercial maritime assets for ocean science and exploration. Jim is also a member of the Board.
Omer Poroy - Chief Strategy Officer
Omer is a seasoned business leader with a visionary mindset, he excels at navigating the ever-evolving intersection of emerging technologies and shifting market dynamics. He brings a wealth of expertise in autonomous systems, robotics, sensors, systems engineering, and manufactured products and a unique perspective shaped by two decades of diverse business experiences in the ocean industry. His experience and insights will help Global Oceans develop key corporate, academic, funding, and in-kind partnerships to support core programs and projects. Omer also participates on boards and committees of several organizations committed to advancing ocean research, technology, and conservation.
Steve Barrow - Robotics & Vehicle Technologies Director
Steve is a subsea engineer, designer, project manager, consultant, and technical expert bringing over 25 years of experience with ROVs, robotic systems, deep sea tooling, subsea coring, and AUVs. Steve’s experience includes assembling deep sea systems and equipment at sea, expertise in structural and hydraulic design, and managing engineering and technical teams to get the job done in challenging environments. He will help enable Global Ocean's objectives of mobilizing and operating deep sea robotic vehicles and scientific instruments for research and discovery around the world. Steve holds a BS in Ocean Engineering from Florida Tech, a US patent for ROV tooling, and supports the MATE ROV competition by mentoring high school teams and judging at events.
Alice Weulersse - Marketing & Communications Director
Alice has 12 years of global experience with NGOs, consulting firms, and corporations in marketing, communications, sales and fundraising management. She is fluent in English, French and German, and an expert in developing high impact content for the web and social media. Alice will support our efforts in working with a wide range of collaborators, stakeholders, and donors focused on enabling Global Oceans programs and projects.
Barry Garfield - Financial Director/Advisor
Barry Garfield, CPA is CEO of Garfield Consulting & Advisory Services in New York, NY, a financial consulting firm with over 30 years of experience in public accounting across multiple industries including Technology, Pharma/Biotech, Manufacturing, and Distribution. Barry has advised Global Oceans on operational and program budgeting, forecasts, and proposals since 2018.
Board of Directors
Donna M. Kocak, M.Sc., MBA - Board Member
Donna M. Kocak is an L3Harris Fellow and Innovation Office Advanced Technology Manager at L3Harris Technologies, Inc. in Melbourne, FL. She is the former President and a current board member of the Marine Technology Society. Donna has over 30 years of experience in ocean engineering, supporting the design, development and deployment of scientific projects involving computer vision, robotics, fiber optics, underwater imaging, underwater communication, and ocean observation. She has authored over 70 technical publications, has been issued multiple U.S. patents, and was recently recognized by the Society of Women Engineers as the Space Coast Outstanding Woman Engineer of the Year.
Christopher Frangione - Board Member
Christopher Frangione is the Managing Director of Frangione + Associates Innovation Advisors focusing on open innovation, driving innovation at scale, strategy and operations, and leveraging transformative partnerships for nonprofit, for-profit, and governmental clients, currently including NASA and Hackensack Meridian Health, the largest hospital chain in New Jersey. He also serves as COO to Veer, a clean shipping organization. Chris is a Distinguished Fellow and Founding Co-Chair of the Loomis Innovation Council at The Stimpson Center in Washington DC, and a board member at the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Previously he was a Senior Advisor for National Geographic Labs and Vice President at the XPRIZE Foundation.
Christopher Coyle, MBA - Board Member
Christopher Coyle is the founder and CEO of Tethra Advisors and Officers (TAO), a strategic advisory firm working with Blue Economy and Blue Tech start-ups and established companies. Chris has developed strategic guidance for investors, foundations, academic institutions, NGOs, and government agencies including the UN, EU, NATO and The World Bank. Chris is a US Delegate for the UN Decade of Ocean Science and the Arctic Ocean Action Plan Working Group; and is a certified business coach and advisor to the EU's Blue Invest Initiative and business accelerator, and an advisor to the Katapult Ocean Accelerator, StartBlue, Cape Fear Ocean Labs, Seaworthy Collective, Ocean Exchange, MassChallenge, and TechBridge.