Dr Gary Spencer

Gary Spencer, PhD is an author, technologist, community servant, agronomist, and educator with over twenty years of experience in the technology and sustainable agriculture sectors. As a renowned aquaponics expert, he has planned, designed, developed, and operated more than thirty aquaponics projects across Central and South America, the United States, and Asia over the past decade.

Driven by a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and community development, Dr. Spencer has advanced aquaponics globally as a sustainable solution for food production, job creation, and ecological preservation. He owns several commercial aquaponics businesses and has worked to develop sustainable food systems for communities impacted by pollution, climate change, and poverty in Central and South America.

As an educator and practitioner, Dr. Spencer has trained hundreds of individuals, including educators and students — in the development and operation of aquaponics systems. He is the founder of the Caribbean Aquaponics Institute, a non-profit university in the Dominican Republic, which offers the world’s first undergraduate degree program in Aquaponics Engineering. This pioneering program, sponsored by the FAO and various ministries, aims to formalize aquaponics education at the undergraduate level and cultivate qualified personnel for future community projects focused on food security, environmental safety, sustainable agriculture, and industry development.

A dedicated digital nomad since 2010, Dr. Spencer has worked virtually across Central America and the Caribbean, enjoying the lifestyle and work-life balance that comes with remote living. He thrives on exploring new cultures, enriching his understanding of diverse communities, and sharing knowledge through his ongoing journey of learning, traveling, and sustainable development.