David Hastings is a Chemical oceanographer and marine geochemist. He arrived in Tampa Bay in 2000 to teach chemistry, environmental, and marine science at Eckerd College. David Hastings began this journey at Princeton University, where he majored in chemistry before earning his doctorate in chemical oceanography from the University of Washington. Paleoclimatology, or the study of past climate changes recorded in ocean sediments, is his main area of research interest. David Hastings also researches the effects of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill on marine microplastics and sediments. David Hastings considers it crucial for scientists to actively participate in policy discussions with the general public and elected officials, as well as the necessity of taking action in Florida to lessen the worst effects. In addition to outlining the scientific rationale for the extreme concern scientists have for the future of our planet, David Hastings focuses on solutions. A small liberal arts college in St. Petersburg, Florida, called Eckerd College, is where David Hastings ended his career as a teacher. He enjoys singing, hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and homemade lemon sorbet.