Elisabeth Haub School of Law deeply mourns the death of Kristina Maria Gjerde, who passed away from pancreatic cancer on December 26, 2025.
Kristina was a 2024 Laureate of the Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy, presented jointly to her and Singapore Ambassador Rena Lee in recognition of their leadership in advancing the United Nations Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ)—a landmark achievement in the protection of marine biodiversity on the high seas.
A true champion for the ocean, Kristina dedicated nearly 40 years to the development of public international law governing the marine environment. Her expertise encompassed ocean governance, shipping, fishing, and deep seabed mining, driven by a passion for advancing the role of science and scientists to improve marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. Kristina’s visionary work through IUCN as the Senior High Seas Advisor in conceptualizing the need for and incorporating innovative conservation measures for the BBNJ Agreement in the early 2000s. She also led the establishment of several key initiatives, including the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative, the Global Ocean Biodiversity Initiative, the Sargasso Sea Project, and the High Seas Alliance. She also served on the Executive Planning Group of the UN Decade of Ocean Science. In addition to Kristina’s role with IUCN, she was an adjunct professor at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, an Honorary Professor at the University of Edinburgh, a Pew Marine Fellow and formerly a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Marine Policy Center Fellow. Kristina sat on the Schmidt Ocean Institute Advisory Board and has co-authored over 200 publications, collaborating with leading ocean scientists and legal scholars with a focus on marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in ABNJ. Her efforts have significantly contributed to the progressive development of marine law and policy, exemplified by her vital role in catalyzing early support for the BBNJ Agreement.
Her commitment for uplifting early career scholars has enabled new voices from around the world to shape the process. Kristina is a multi-award recipient, including the for her efforts to secure protections in international law for the high seas and the 2024 Elisabeth Haub Award for Environmental Law and Diplomacy, the world’s most prestigious award in the field of environmental law.
To continue her long-term commitment to fostering the next generation of ocean stewards, Kristina has established the through Synchronicity Earth, USA. Her love of the ocean and her legacy will live on through the BBNJ Agreement, which will enter into force on 17 January 2026.
It is with deep sadness that we share news of the unexpected passing of Professor John A. Humbach, a cherished colleague and beloved teacher to generations of students at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at 91ÊÓƵ.
Joy's story began in a place of fear and uncertainty. Facing domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse related to her immigration status, Joy felt lost and isolated. Having been to court already and after consulting numerous local victim service organizations, she could not find the support she so desperately needed. Struggling to navigate an abusive situation, Joy felt her options were limited to "either jail or homelessness." Then, after one particularly concerning violent incident, everything changed when the local court system recommended the 91ÊÓƵ Women's Justice Center.
91ÊÓƵ’s Elisabeth Haub School of Law Ranks #1 in the Nation in Environmental Law for the Third Consecutive Year; Trial Advocacy Program Ranks #24.