Western Illinois University Kinesiology professor Christopher Kovacs spent the summer working with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions as an underwater videographer, mapper and dive-safety officer. He gave lectures on cold-water diving, human physiology and glaciology while working in southeast Alaska (June 29–July 13) and Iceland (July 21–Aug. 17). Kovacs served as a reviewer for the 2024 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship (32 fellows selected), previously mapped a previously unexplored Greenland fjord, and has applied to rejoin expeditions for 2026.
From Illinois to Iceland: WIU Professor Christopher Kovacs Dives with National Geographic–Lindblad
Western Illinois University Kinesiology professor Christopher Kovacs spent the summer working with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions as an underwater videographer, mapper and dive-safety officer. He gave lectures on cold-water diving, human physiology and glaciology while working in southeast Alaska (June 29–July 13) and Iceland (July 21–Aug. 17). Kovacs served as a reviewer for the 2024 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship (32 fellows selected), previously mapped a previously unexplored Greenland fjord, and has applied to rejoin expeditions for 2026.
07:43 PM, 11/12/2025Science
From Illinois to Iceland: WIU Professor Christopher Kovacs Dives with National Geographic–Lindblad
Western Illinois University Kinesiology professor Christopher Kovacs spent the summer taking his Leatherneck pride beneath the waves while working with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions. Kovacs supported underwater operations as a videographer, underwater mapper and dive-safety officer — roles that combined scientific fieldwork, public education and hands-on exploration.
"We also attempt to explore regions that have not been previously explored in detail," Kovacs said in a community announcement. He also delivered multiple onboard scientific lectures on cold-water diving, human physiology in extreme environments, ice and glaciology, and historical topics tied to the regions visited.
These National Geographic–Lindblad expedition cruises travel to all seven continents; Kovacs’ work helps both to document remote marine environments and to educate guests about the natural and cultural features encountered. This summer he worked in the Inside Passage of southeast Alaska from June 29 through July 13, then sailed and dove in Iceland from July 21 through August 17.
In addition to shipboard duties, Kovacs served on the selection committee for the Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship, a professional development program run by Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society. He reviewed 2024 applicants when the program selected 32 new fellows — educators who can translate their expedition experiences into classroom lessons and community outreach.
"All of this would never have happened without our scuba program here at WIU," Kovacs said, noting that much of his dive training took place at WIU 18 years ago.
Kovacs previously spent two weeks mapping a fjord in Greenland that had not been explored in detail — an assignment he calls one of his favorite memories. He has already applied to continue partnering with the expedition team for 2026, with possible assignments in Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Svalbard, and expects to learn his next postings this summer.
Reporting note: This story was produced by reporter Abreanna Blose with assistance from artificial intelligence during drafting and editing; journalists were involved in every step of information gathering, review and publication. The article originally appeared on The McDonough County Voice.