Bachelor of science in earth sciences from University of California, Santa Cruz, 1973; Ph.D. in geology from Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1978, Canada; was assigned for STS-61J (mission cancelled after the Challenger-disaster); hobbies: Flying, squash, bicycling, backpacking, reading; in June 1992 Chief Research Scientist of National Oceanographic and Athmospheric Administration; since 1996 President and Chief Executive Officer des Columbus Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio; retired in 2005 but will continue working as Scientific Adviser. Sullivan is also an oceanography officer in the U.S. Naval Reserve, holding the rank of Captain; in May 2006 elected as vice chair of the National Science Board (NSB).