Eddie Bernard, born in 1946 in Houston, Texas, is a renowned tsunami expert with a significant career at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Raised in Beaumont, Texas, Bernard's family history traces back to their migration from Canada to Louisiana. His early interest in science and natural disasters, particularly tsunamis, propelled him towards a career in oceanography. Influenced by his high school teachers, Bernard pursued higher education at Lamar University, where he cultivated his passion for oceanography and met his future wife. His career trajectory was shaped by his decision to join the NOAA Corps as an alternative to the draft during the Vietnam War. Bernard's work took him to various locations, including Lake Ontario and Hawaii, where he conducted oceanographic research and water column chemistry. His tenure at NOAA saw him rise to the position of lab director at the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) and play a pivotal role in the development of the Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) program. Bernard's contributions to tsunami detection and preparedness have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the Presidential Rank Awards and the Hamaguchi Award for Enhancement of Tsunami Resilience.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Eddie Bernard encompasses a comprehensive overview of his career and personal life, with a focus on his expertise in tsunamis. Bernard recounts his upbringing and the influence of his family's history on his career choice. He details his academic journey, his marriage, and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. The interview sheds light on Bernard's significant contributions to the field of oceanography, particularly his role in the development of the DART program and his leadership at PMEL. He discusses the challenges of scientific research, including funding and infrastructure, and the importance of international collaboration in the development of the tsunami warning system. Bernard reflects on the impact of major tsunami events, such as the 1964 Alaska earthquake and tsunami and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, on public awareness and the evolution of tsunami preparedness. Personal anecdotes about his service in the NOAA Corps, interactions with mentors, and non-tsunami related projects, such as studying underwater volcanoes, provide a holistic view of his professional life. The interview also touches on the successful implementation of the Tsunami Warning and Education Act of 2006 and the deployment of DART buoys.