chasing water. inspiring change.
chasing water. inspiring change.
Everything Is Connected.
Water is life. Yet today, our water security is under threat. Pollution, extreme weather, and growing demands are putting ecosystems and communities at risk. Inspector Planet, led by Tracy Fanara, PhD, exists to turn science into action through education, partnerships, and hands-on community science. By bridging research and real-world needs, we work to protect lives, safeguard resources, and build resilience for a changing world.Our pillars anchor our mission.
Resourcefulness
Individuals and communities having the skills and ability to pivot in the face of change.
Resilience
communities adapting and preparing for extreme events in a constantly changing world.
Relentlessness
Never giving up, because protecting lives & ecosystems is a constant battle, growing in complexity.
Our Mission
Through education, partnerships, and hands-on citizen science, Inspector Planet empowers people to act on environmental risks. Our community brings together students, volunteers, scientists, and decision-makers to turn lessons of Resilience and Resourcefulness into Relentless actions that protect lives and ecosystems.
Meet Dr. Tracy Fanara, PhD- Inspector Planet
Tracy Fanara, PhD is an environmental engineer, scientist, and science communicator recognized nationally for her expertise in stormwater hydrology, flood forecasting, and coastal resilience. Her interdisciplinary career spans academia, nonprofits, government, and the private sector, including serving as Coastal Modeling Portfolio Manager at NOAA’s National Ocean Service and leading the Environmental Health Program at Mote Marine Laboratory, where she developed citizen science platforms with millions of users worldwide.
Beyond the lab, Dr. Fanara is a familiar face in media—appearing on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week and Mythbusters, National Geographic’s When Sharks Attack, The Weather Channel, FOX, and ABC. Through her company, Inspector Planet, she combines education, partnerships, and storytelling to turn data into action, helping communities prepare for extreme events and making science accessible to all.
Meet Dr. Tracy Fanara, PhD- Inspector Planet
Tracy Fanara, PhD is an environmental engineer, scientist, and science communicator recognized nationally for her expertise in stormwater hydrology, flood forecasting, and coastal resilience. Her interdisciplinary career spans academia, nonprofits, government, and the private sector, including serving as Coastal Modeling Portfolio Manager at NOAA’s National Ocean Service and leading the Environmental Health Program at Mote Marine Laboratory, where she developed citizen science platforms with millions of users worldwide.
Beyond the lab, Dr. Fanara is a familiar face in media—appearing on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week and Mythbusters, National Geographic’s When Sharks Attack, The Weather Channel, FOX, and ABC. Through her company, Inspector Planet, she combines education, partnerships, and storytelling to turn data into action, helping communities prepare for extreme events and making science accessible to all.
Programs
Current Initiatives & Projects
Science Communication & Media Engagement
Partnerships, Leadership & Environmental Strategy
STEM Education & Program Development
How You Can Help
Getting Involved
Join the Mission (Scientists & Experts)
The future of water depends on science, innovation and action. Be a part of the change. Explore active projects and see where your skills fit—research, field support, or advocacy.
Become a Volunteer (Community & Citizen Science)
Stay connected. Sign up for updates, citizen-science calls, beach cleanups and early event invites.
Book Tracy
Bring Tracy’s expertise in public speaking, media, workshops and camps to your event or project.
