Marine biologist, ocean educator and pioneer of blue whale research within the Northern Indian Ocean, Asha de Vos has been a source of pride for Sri Lanka.
Her latest feat is one for our small island-nation as much as it is for herself. Asha became the first Sri Lankan woman to have her portrait hung at Oxford’s Lincoln College 15th Century Hall.
Being a marine biologist, ocean educator and pioneer of blue whale research within the Northern Indian Ocean, she is also the first Sri Lankan with a PhD in marine mammal research. “In 2020 my college, Lincoln, will celebrate 40 years of admitting women. To celebrate it, the portraits of 20 female alumnae will be hung in its 15th Century Hall.
This is aimed to inspire current students and future applicants. A jury had the tough task of picking the 20 faces that best portrayed the women that have passed through over the four decades. I am so excited to say that I am one of them - making me the first Sri Lankan woman to have her portrait anywhere in the University!” She posted on her Facebook Account recently.
Prior to this achievement, she was chosen for a BBC 100 Women award in 2018, named a Senior TED Fellow, and selected as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Early this year, she was named one of 12 Women Changemakers by the Parliament of Sri Lanka.
Asha de Vos completed her undergraduate studies in marine and environmental studies at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, MSc at the University of Oxford and PhD from the University of Western Australia.