Expedition Advisor & VR Program Narrator
Aquanaut, Oceanographic Explorer, Environmental Advocate and Founder of Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center & Proteus Ocean Group.
When you grow up on the decks of the Calypso, ocean advocacy is in your DNA. Fabien Cousteau knows how powerful a personal connection to the ocean can be and that’s w
Expedition Advisor & VR Program Narrator
Aquanaut, Oceanographic Explorer, Environmental Advocate and Founder of Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center & Proteus Ocean Group.
When you grow up on the decks of the Calypso, ocean advocacy is in your DNA. Fabien Cousteau knows how powerful a personal connection to the ocean can be and that’s why he’s committed to providing communities with the ocean first-hand. Whether it’s releasing baby sea turtles or taking a dive in a shark-shaped submarine, adventures with Fabien inspire a life-long passion for protecting the ocean. Fabien was an Explorer-at-Large for National Geographic, is a member of multiple cause-driven and charitable boards Fabien has been working with local communities and children worldwide to help restore local water ecosystems.
In June 2014, Fabien and his team of aquanauts embarked on Mission 31, the longest science expedition to take place at Aquarius, the world’s only underwater marine laboratory located in Florida. Fabien’s Mission 31 broke new ground in ocean exploration and honored the 50th anniversary of his grandfather’s original underwater living experiment (Conshelf Two) by going deeper, longer and further, while broadcasting each moment live on multiple channels exposing the world to the adventure, drama and mystique of what lies beneath.
Early in 2016 he founded the Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center (“OLC”) to fulfill his dream of creating a vehicle to make a positive change in the world. Currently he is working on multiple projects and dedicates much of his time to the exciting programs and initiatives of the OLC.
Expedition & Cinematography Advisor
George Kourounis is an award-winning broadcaster and internationally-regarded expert on natural disasters.
One of the world’s most intrepid and best-known storm chasers, Kourounis’ 20-year career has taken him to 65 countries and every continent to document nature’s extremes, including Tornado Alley in t
Expedition & Cinematography Advisor
George Kourounis is an award-winning broadcaster and internationally-regarded expert on natural disasters.
One of the world’s most intrepid and best-known storm chasers, Kourounis’ 20-year career has taken him to 65 countries and every continent to document nature’s extremes, including Tornado Alley in the U.S. and the Danakil Depression in the Ethiopian desert — one of the hottest and harshest climates on Earth.
Kourounis’ work has appeared on Discovery Channel, National Geographic Explorer, BBC-TV and CNN. His adventure TV program Angry Planet premiered in 2007 and has been broadcast in more than 100 countries. Most recently, in August 2018, Kourounis carried the flag of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society into the active Marum volcano crater on Ambrym Island, Vanuatu. The island is home to one of the world’s seven permanent lava lakes.
In May 2018, Kourounis was named a Guinness World Record holder for being the first person to reach the bottom of the 69-metre-deep Darvaza gas crater in Turkmenistan in 2013. He is also a fellow of The Royal Geographical Society (U.K.) and chair of The Explorers Club Canadian Chapter. Through documenting nature’s extremes, Kourounis hopes to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones and explore nature.
Kourounis was named an RCGS Explorer-in-Residence in March 2018.
Expedition Senior Science Advisor
Natalie is an esteemed ecologist, conservation geneticist, and documentary director/presenter, driven by an unwavering passion for safeguarding biodiversity through the harmonious integration of western and Indigenous science, public education, and community empowerment. Recognized as one of the distinguis
Expedition Senior Science Advisor
Natalie is an esteemed ecologist, conservation geneticist, and documentary director/presenter, driven by an unwavering passion for safeguarding biodiversity through the harmonious integration of western and Indigenous science, public education, and community empowerment. Recognized as one of the distinguished Explorers Club 50 individuals actively changing the world, she serves as a dedicated ambassador for the Earth Foundation.
Her groundbreaking work involves the study of elusive and endangered species, such as the snow leopard and Antarctic whales, where she has played a pivotal role in fostering grassroots conservation efforts. Natalie's influence extends beyond the field, contributing to policy education and management enhancements on a global scale, notably within the International Whaling Commission.
At the forefront of innovation, Natalie is spearheading the development of cutting-edge technology capable of real-time DNA detection from biological samples. This portable, cost-effective, and user-friendly technology stands as a testament to her commitment to advancing scientific methodologies. Leading a dynamic and synergistic team comprising geneticists, conservationists, communicators, business partners, and institutions, she is the driving force behind WildTechDNA.
WildTechDNA, her visionary venture, aspires to revolutionize global practices in customs, law enforcement, field monitoring, citizen science, and locally-based conservation. Natalie's pursuit of excellence exemplifies her dedication to transforming the landscape of conservation efforts worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the way we understand and protect our planet's diverse ecosystems.
Expedition, Sailing & Adventure Advisor
Eruç was born in Nicosia, Cyprus in 1961, raised in Turkey. He has been an avid outdoorsman from an early age. When he was 11, his father took him on a climb of Mount Erciyes, an extinct stratovolcano in south central Turkey and the highest mountain in central Anatolia with a summit at 3,916 m (12,8
Expedition, Sailing & Adventure Advisor
Eruç was born in Nicosia, Cyprus in 1961, raised in Turkey. He has been an avid outdoorsman from an early age. When he was 11, his father took him on a climb of Mount Erciyes, an extinct stratovolcano in south central Turkey and the highest mountain in central Anatolia with a summit at 3,916 m (12,848 ft). During his higher education years, Eruç studied mechanical engineering at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree. In 1986, he moved to the United States where he continued his studies in engineering and business administration, earning a second Master of Science degree in Engineering Mechanics at the Ohio State University and an MBA degree later at George Mason University.
He worked in various technical consulting projects in the U.S. for nine years, advancing into project management. At the age of 41, he left the corporate office world to pursue a dream of far-flung outdoor adventures following a climbing accident which claimed the life of a friend. His new occupation was educating and inspiring others, especially children, through the pursuit of entirely human-powered travels around the world. He is also a sailing instructor and a delivery captain, holding the credentials of USCG 50GRT Master with sailing and towing endorsements and of RYA Yachtmaster Offshore.
During his journey to Alaska to climb Mount McKinley, Eruç took time to marry Nancy Board in June 2003. Board is an American businesswoman, an international workplace behavioral health expert, an outdoor enthusiast and the acting Vice President of the Around-n-Over nonprofit organization. The couple met while both were consultants at a United States Postal Service project in Chicago. Though they are from vastly different cultural backgrounds, they found their values complementary and their life’s mission similar. Thus, they chose to be married honoring indigenous people’s traditions, blessed and facilitated by elders from the Alaskan Haida-Tsimshian and Inupiat tribes in a small ceremony held outside on Sadie Cove along the Kachemak Bay south of Homer, Alaska.
One of the 2024 inductees in the Hall of Fame at Guinness World Records, Erden is a leading ocean rower in the world today. 18 Guinness World Records are currently registered to his name. He is the recipient of the 2013 Citation of Merit from the prestigious Explorers Club, one of the 2013 Adventurers of the Year – “nine individuals changing the face of global adventure” by Outside Magazine, and one of the 50 Most Adventurous Men by Men’s Journal.
Expedition Senior Science Advisor
Martin is an internationally renowned dentist, narwhal expert, and Arctic researcher with 24 years of transformative, integrative and interdisciplinary work with collaborative scientific teams
around the world, the Inuit in the High Arctic of Eastern Canada and the Inughuit of Western Greenland. During the
Expedition Senior Science Advisor
Martin is an internationally renowned dentist, narwhal expert, and Arctic researcher with 24 years of transformative, integrative and interdisciplinary work with collaborative scientific teams
around the world, the Inuit in the High Arctic of Eastern Canada and the Inughuit of Western Greenland. During the 150 th Anniversary of Canada, Dr. Nweeia was selected by the American Embassy and the US State Department as the finest example of scientific collaboration between
Canada and the US. A “Highlight” from NSF to the U.S. Congress cited Nweeia’s work as: “a model for future scientists to utilize as they seek to better understand our world.”
Dr. Martin Nweeia holds teaching and research positions at Harvard University, Harvard Catalyst Translational Medicine group, and the Zoonomia Consortium at the Broad Institute of
Harvard/MIT. He is a Global Fellow of the Polar Institute, Wilson Center for International Scholars, a National Geographic Explorer and holds research scientist positions at the Smithsonian Institution and the Canadian Museum Of Nature. His work has been featured on
the cover of the New York Times, five documentaries from National Geographic, two from the BBC, and one from Decoverte, French Discovery, and in the journals Nature, Science, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, and four books from Smithsonian Press. Dr. Nweeia co-curated the Smithsonian exhibit, Narwhal: Revealing An Arctic Legend, and co-authored the William Mills Prize winning museum catalogue with the same title, and received awards, including The CINE Golden Eagle Award for the National Geographic narwhal episode
from Wild Chronicles and the Lowell Thomas Award from the Explorers Club, World Center for Exploration.
Advisor Sailing, Vessel Advisor & Sail Master
G. Mark Miller brings two decades of exemplary service with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), leaving an indelible mark on the field of oceanic research. As a distinguished uniformed officer in the NOAA Corps, he not only commanded but also skillfully managed both smal
Advisor Sailing, Vessel Advisor & Sail Master
G. Mark Miller brings two decades of exemplary service with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), leaving an indelible mark on the field of oceanic research. As a distinguished uniformed officer in the NOAA Corps, he not only commanded but also skillfully managed both small and large research vessels, showcasing exceptional leadership and operational expertise.
Mark's illustrious shipboard career includes notable roles such as Commanding Officer of R/V Nancy Foster, Commanding Officer of R/V Henry B Bigelow, and Executive Officer of R/V Bell M Shimada. His visionary approach and strategic leadership were instrumental in establishing the NOAA Small Boat Program. Mark spearheaded the creation of comprehensive policies and procedures, safety training initiatives, inspection programs, and efficient management protocols for NOAA's extensive fleet of 400 small boats and 800 operators nationwide.
Beyond his sea-faring accomplishments, Mark served as the Chief of the NOAA Corps Officer Training Center at the United States Coast Guard Academy. His role as the NOAA liaison to the United States Coast Guard at NOAA and USCG Headquarters further underscores his profound impact on collaborative efforts in the maritime domain.
Retiring in 2019, Mark founded Greenwater Marine Sciences Offshore Inc. (GMSO), a B-corporation committed to providing ocean-based scientists with small, efficient crewed ships tailored for coastal and near-shore research projects. Mark's commitment extends to supporting fellow veterans, with many senior crew members having served in NOAA Corps, Navy, and the US Coast Guard.
A Returned Peace Corps Volunteer from the Republic of Congo, Mark's dedication to exploration and service is further evidenced by his membership in The Explorers Club. Holding a USCG Master Unlimited – Oceans Merchant Mariner Credential, Mark continues to contribute to the maritime community and advance the frontiers of oceanic research with unwavering dedication and expertise.
Reference: https://gmsoresearchvessels.com/team/
Science, Documentary & Expedition Advisor
Jean Lemire, a distinguished biologist, explorer, and filmmaker, has dedicated his career to illuminating the delicate environmental equilibrium of marine ecosystems. At the helm of numerous scientific and cinematic expeditions aboard his vessel, Sedna IV, he has garnered international acclaim for
Science, Documentary & Expedition Advisor
Jean Lemire, a distinguished biologist, explorer, and filmmaker, has dedicated his career to illuminating the delicate environmental equilibrium of marine ecosystems. At the helm of numerous scientific and cinematic expeditions aboard his vessel, Sedna IV, he has garnered international acclaim for his documentaries highlighting the impacts of global warming in the Arctic and Antarctic. Jean's films serve as powerful tools for raising public awareness and understanding of environmental challenges.
His commitment to environmental preservation extends beyond the screen, as Jean passionately shares his insights and knowledge through engaging lectures. This tireless dedication has earned him several prestigious awards and honors, including the Citation of Lifetime Achievement from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and the esteemed title of Officer of the Order of Canada.
Jean Lemire's influence reaches a global scale as he was appointed as the United Nations emissary for climate change, northern, and arctic issues in 2017. In this role, he continues to advocate for sustainable practices and policies that contribute to the well-being of our planet. Jean's multifaceted contributions as a biologist, explorer, and filmmaker underscore his unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and inspiring positive change.
Expedition Sustainability Advisor
With over two decades of expertise in sustainability and ESG strategy, James has an extensive career trajectory including leadership roles in Big 4 public accounting firms, strategic consulting to top-tier corporations in diverse sectors, and work with the United Nations. He has led monumental enterprise e
Expedition Sustainability Advisor
With over two decades of expertise in sustainability and ESG strategy, James has an extensive career trajectory including leadership roles in Big 4 public accounting firms, strategic consulting to top-tier corporations in diverse sectors, and work with the United Nations. He has led monumental enterprise eco-centric transformations and has been instrumental in shaping clients; social and environmental endeavors. James is a member of the Explorers Club and a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
A passionate advocate for environmental justice, sustainability, and social equality, James; commitment to these causes extends beyond his professional life, with a history of leadership and volunteer work in multiple non-profit organizations.
His unique worldview is enriched by his lifelong exploration of indigenous communities worldwide, which has offered him first-hand insight into the harsh realities of climate change and global development. A firm believer in the convergence of Western ideologies and Indigenous Knowledge, James seeks to shed light on our collective impact on the environment.
Starting as a cartographer with the National Geographic Society, James has journeyed from mapping the world to actively seeking ways to preserve it. A best-selling author on sustainability and producer of documentaries examining the impact of climate change, biodiversity loss, and global development upon indigenous communities, he uses his influential voice to raise awareness of these crucial issues.
Currently, James is on a global motorcycle journey, documenting the experiences of remote and indigenous communities grappling with environmental challenges and global development. Through these expeditions, he aspires to illuminate the beauty and interconnectivity of our
global cultural fabric for his audience.
Expedition, Sponsorship and Marketing Advisor
Robin Brooks is a dedicated explorer and influential figure in the realms of marketing and expedition coordination. Proudly affiliated with the Explorers Club in Toronto and Georgian Bay, Ontario, she embodies a spirit of adventure and a commitment to exploration.
As the Director of Marketing fo
Expedition, Sponsorship and Marketing Advisor
Robin Brooks is a dedicated explorer and influential figure in the realms of marketing and expedition coordination. Proudly affiliated with the Explorers Club in Toronto and Georgian Bay, Ontario, she embodies a spirit of adventure and a commitment to exploration.
As the Director of Marketing for Travelopia's Exodus Travels, Robin plays a pivotal role in shaping and promoting travel experiences that inspire discovery. Her position as a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society reflects her passion for geography and the diverse landscapes our planet offers.
Beyond her professional roles, Robin is a compassionate supporter of environmental and wildlife causes. Her involvement with organizations like the Africa Wildlife Foundation, Rewilding Europe, and the eBioAtlas underscores her commitment to conservation and biodiversity.
Robin's dedication extends to the logistical coordination of Explorers Club flag expeditions, showcasing her proficiency in managing complex and diverse projects. From documenting the tattooed faced females of the Chin Tribes in Myanmar to organizing expeditions to Madagascar and Turkmenistan, she demonstrates a keen interest in cultural exploration and preservation.
Despite her preference for working behind the scenes, Robin has made notable appearances as a travel expert on prominent platforms such as NBC, ABC, the Washington Post, and the New York Times. Her advocacy for the power of relationships, positivity, empowerment of local communities, and gender equality resonates throughout her work.
In essence, Robin Brooks believes that exploration should not only satisfy our curiosity but also contribute positively to the lives of the people and places we encounter. Her multifaceted contributions to exploration, marketing, and advocacy make her a respected and influential figure in the world of adventure and discovery.
Founder & Director of Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants
Meet Joe Grabowski, a dynamic figure at the intersection of science, education, and underwater exploration. As the Founder and Director of Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, Joe is not your typical educator; he's a maestro of inspiration, a scuba diver with a penchant for thrillin
Founder & Director of Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants
Meet Joe Grabowski, a dynamic figure at the intersection of science, education, and underwater exploration. As the Founder and Director of Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants, Joe is not your typical educator; he's a maestro of inspiration, a scuba diver with a penchant for thrilling encounters beneath the waves.
In 2017, Joe earned the distinguished title of National Geographic Emerging Explorer, and shortly thereafter, he etched his name in the annals of education history as National Geographic’s first Education Fellow. A visionary, Joe laid the foundation for the groundbreaking Explorer Classroom program, opening doors for global connectivity and learning. His recent brainchild, the Global Biodiversity Festival, catapulted biodiversity into living rooms across 100 countries, proving that learning knows no borders.
Not content with traditional accolades, Joe found himself in the top 50 finalists for the Global Teacher Prize—a testament to his unwavering commitment to education and exploration. A man of many hats, he serves on the boards of the Explorers Club, Planet Madagascar, and is a fellow of esteemed societies such as the Royal Geographical Society, the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Ocean Exploration Trust, and the Explorers Club.
But it's not all boardrooms and meetings for Joe; he's equally at home beneath the ocean's surface. An avid scuba diver, he's circled the globe, sharing the waters with great hammerhead sharks, exploring German U-boats, and everything in between.
Before he became the maverick of marine education, Joe spent seven years teaching intermediate science and math. The spark for Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants ignited during this time, as Joe witnessed the profound impact of connecting students with scientists, explorers, and conservationists from around the world. For two years, he expertly juggled growing his organization while still teaching full-time—a testament to his dedication.
In 2017, the call of adventure grew too loud to ignore. Joe bid farewell to the traditional classroom, embracing the exhilarating journey of turning Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants into a full-time endeavor. Today, he continues to inspire and educate, proving that the boundaries of the classroom are as fluid as the oceans he so passionately explores.
CEO of EQO
In 2016, John embarked on a pioneering research endeavor that would evolve into EQO, driven by the vision of seamlessly integrating modern molecular biology laboratories into the realm of environmental biology. Before laying the foundation for EQO, John honed his expertise in early cancer diagnostic platforms and microbiome an
CEO of EQO
In 2016, John embarked on a pioneering research endeavor that would evolve into EQO, driven by the vision of seamlessly integrating modern molecular biology laboratories into the realm of environmental biology. Before laying the foundation for EQO, John honed his expertise in early cancer diagnostic platforms and microbiome analytics during his tenure at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Subsequently, as the Senior Director of R&D at Molecular Templates, he steered the experimental therapeutics department to new heights.
The inception of EQO followed John's triumph in crafting EQO's groundbreaking detection platform, initially conceived for a grant-funded exploration of three Texas lakes. Under John's leadership at EQO, the frontiers of innovation expanded, encompassing the refinement of RNA preservation techniques, the development of population dynamic analytics systems, and the conception of patented collection and preservation platforms.
At the helm of EQO, John is at the forefront of a groundbreaking initiative, spearheading the creation of a biopesticide funded by the NSF and US-BoR. This pioneering biopesticide aims to mitigate and eradicate zebra mussel infestation through the strategic retargeting of a bioengineered toxin.
John's contributions have not gone unnoticed, earning him recognition as one of Austin's most influential innovators. The EQO team, under his leadership, clinched the prestigious platinum award at MassChallenge Texas 2018. In the ever-evolving landscape of molecular management of environmental systems, John has emerged as a notable thought leader, frequently sharing his insights at national and international conferences on topics ranging from bioengineering and molecular diagnostic development to oncology therapeutics and climate adaptation.
With a dynamic background encompassing diverse facets of scientific inquiry, John stands as a testament to the transformative power of visionary leadership in advancing the frontiers of environmental biology.
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