On October 9th, WINGS will induct five new Fellows during our 2025 Women of Discovery Awards Gala in New York City. In a special Q&A series, we are sharing a little bit about each honoree. Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a marine biologist, policy expert, writer, and teacher working to help create the best possible climate future. She is co-founder of Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, and is the Roux Distinguished Scholar at Bowdoin College. She authored The New York Times bestseller What If We Get it Right?: Visions of Climate Futures.
WINGS: Tell us your story. How did you get involved in science and your field specifically?
DR. AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON: I fell in love with the ocean when I was five years old, on a family vacation to Key West, Florida. I saw a coral reef through a glass bottom boat and got to hold a sea urchin in my hand and felt its hundreds of tube feet crawling on my palm. My mind was blown. I decided on the spot to become a marine biologist. Then, I was stubborn, lucky, and tenacious. I remain madly in love with nature, and my work has shifted from science to policy and communications for ocean and climate solutions. For example, co-founding Urban Ocean Lab, a think tank for the future of coastal cities, teaching climate communications at Bowdoin College, and writing books like What If We Get It Right? One thing that keeps me in this line of work is my deep concern for the future of coastal communities and love of coastal cultures. My goal is to welcome many people into working on climate solutions.
WINGS: What is something you would like people to understand about your work?
DR. AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON: From clean energy to electrifying transportation, regenerative agriculture, and restoring ecosystems – we already have almost all the climate solutions we need. It’s just a question of how quickly and how justly we’re going to implement them. We have to make implementation sexy.
WINGS: What are the greatest barriers to more women working in science?
DR. AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON: Sexism (sometimes paired with racism), including (especially in the US) lack of support for mothers.
WINGS: What gets you up in the morning?
DR. AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON: Banana pancakes or having to pee. (Not a morning person!)
WINGS: What’s your next challenge?
DR. AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON: Writing children’s books.
WINGS: Describe yourself in three words.
DR. AYANA ELIZABETH JOHNSON: Scientist, Writer, and Earthling.
