DeVos is a marine biologist, educator and a leader in the field of blue whale research. She is the first Sri Lankan to receive a PhD in marine mammal research and the first National Geographic explorer from the country. For her contributions in the field and for mentoring young scientists in Sri Lanka, DeVos has received numerous awards including the Maxwell-Hanrahan Award in Field Biology, Vanithabhimana Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Global Teacher Prize. De Vos, who is also a TED Fellow, founded Oceanswell, Sri Lanka’s first marine conservation research and education organization.

(Photo: The Ismaili)