Denise Herzing
Also known as Denise L. Herzing
Denise Herzing is founder and research director of the Wild Dolphin Project, and she has studied Atlantic spotted dolphins in Bahamian waters since 1985. Google announced DolphinGemma in April 2025, a foundational AI model trained to learn the structure of dolphin vocalizations, and her lifetime of underwater research now powers it. TIME lists her among the most influential people in AI in 2025. She received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2008, and she gave a TED Talk in 2013 that introduced her work to a global audience. In July 2026, Wild About Wildlife named her Conservationist of the Year.
Timeline
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Since 1985
Studying Atlantic spotted dolphins
She studies Atlantic spotted dolphins in Bahamian waters every summer, a routine that goes back to 1985.
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2008
A Guggenheim Fellowship
She receives a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2008.
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2013
A 2013 TED Talk
She gives a 2013 TED Talk that introduces her work to a global audience.
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April 2025
Google's DolphinGemma model
In April 2025 Google announces DolphinGemma, a foundational AI model trained to learn the structure of dolphin vocalizations, in collaboration with Georgia Tech and the Wild Dolphin Project. Her lifetime of underwater research is now powering the model.
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2025
A TIME100 AI listing
TIME lists her among the most influential people in AI in 2025.
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July 2026
Conservationist of the Year
In July 2026 Wild About Wildlife names her Conservationist of the Year.
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As of October 2026
Directing the Wild Dolphin Project
She leads the Wild Dolphin Project as its founder and research director.
Sources and credits
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