He's set a world record!

May 15, 2023

On track to complete a 100-day mission on June 9, USF associate professor Joseph Dituri, PhD '18, has broken the world record for living underwater, previously set at 73 days. While teaching his students online, Dituri, also known as Dr. Deep Sea, is studying how the human body responds to long-term exposure to pressure from an underwater habitat located at Jules’ Undersea Lodge in Key Largo where he’s been living since March 1.

Dituri’s 100-square-foot underwater home has subjected him to an isolated and extreme-confined environment. He hasn’t seen the sun or enjoyed a home-cooked meal since February. He’s sacrificed personal milestones, including seeing his daughter graduate from college.

"I am definitely missing being physically with my family and friends. The effects of being available only through technology are complicated because even though I can communicate regularly, the lack of ability to reach out or see them with my eyes in person has an effect," he says. "So we are pushing forward and bringing students of all ages, from many places in the world along with us. Maybe one day they will pick this science up and continue the journey we are presently on."

With this new record, Dituri's officially reached uncharted territory for science, and his research may have far-reaching impacts, even in space. Read More »