Meet the team

Kelsey prosser tieszen

Marine biologist & photographer

​Kelsey is a full-time professional photographer who has studied whales almost her entire life. With degrees in biology, chemistry, photography, and genomics, her main passion is studying the ecology and social structures of whales and dolphins, specifically orcas and pilot whales.  Currently living in the Midwest and traveling whenever possible only furthers her desire to teach those around her about the ocean, its inhabitants, and the importance of preserving it. 

tom tieszen

Biologist & Teacher

Tom is a high school biology teacher and football coach. He fell in love with the ocean after meeting Kelsey and is now passionate about sharks, especially hammerheads. Tom’s background is mostly in anatomy, and he emphasizes conservation and environmental issues to his students with his teaching. In undergrad, he focused primarily on coral ecosystems and coral health. Behind the scenes, he assists Kelsey with their photography business as well as other management aspects of the TAOO organization. 
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