Nancy Caruso

Nancy Caruso was inspired at the age of 10 to become a Marine Biologist. She recalls one day in the 4th grade when she was constructing the continental plates out of plaster of paris as part of the curriculum for plate tectonics. She explains, “That moment clicked for me. I have wanted to be a Marine Biologist ever since.”

“Science is all about asking questions. It takes a creative mind to ask the right questions.” Nancy believes that future scientific discoveries are only limited by our creativity. She started a non-profit organization in 2009 to promote the sciences in schools in L.A. and Orange County. She is widely recognized by her efforts to restore the local kelp forest ecosystem with the help of volunteers and students and promotes aquaculture through all her organization’s projects. Nancy has been gardening using aquaponics for 20 years and now teaches it in schools through her non-profit organization and in the community, to help people grow food where they live.

“Aquaponics is a win-win for everybody and everything!” Nancy says. “It feeds us and helps the environment, by saving 90% of the water used in traditional gardening, we help the oceans and the environment!”

Recognitions
• 2010 Neighborhood Excellence Initiative Award –Bank of America
• 2011 Commitment to Education/ Ocean Science Leadership Award- Quicksilver/USC
• 2011 Ocean Hero Award- Oceana
• 2012 Earth Month Hero- Wyland Foundation
• 2013 My Hero Award -My Hero Foundation
• 2014 100 Most Influential People in Orange County- OC Register