Fabien Cousteau
George Kourounis
George Kourounis
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.
George Kourounis
George Kourounis
George Kourounis
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.
Kelly Walsh
George Kourounis
James Fountain
Expedition & Subsea Advisor
Kelly Walsh is a renowned explorer and deep-sea diver with a lifelong passion for the ocean's mysteries. Raised in a family deeply connected to maritime exploration, Kelly's journey into the depths of the world's oceans began at a young age, inspired by his father, Don Walsh, one of the first two men to descend
Expedition & Subsea Advisor
Kelly Walsh is a renowned explorer and deep-sea diver with a lifelong passion for the ocean's mysteries. Raised in a family deeply connected to maritime exploration, Kelly's journey into the depths of the world's oceans began at a young age, inspired by his father, Don Walsh, one of the first two men to descend to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench. This legacy of exploration set the foundation for Kelly's remarkable career in oceanic exploration.
With decades of experience in deep-sea diving, Kelly has participated in numerous groundbreaking expeditions, pushing the boundaries of human exploration and contributing to a greater understanding of the ocean's hidden realms. His expertise spans a range of disciplines, from deep-sea engineering and marine biology to underwater archaeology, making him a respected figure in the global exploration community.
Kelly’s work has taken him to some of the most remote and unexplored parts of the world’s oceans, where he has played a key role in discovering new species, documenting underwater ecosystems, and advancing the science of deep-sea exploration. His commitment to ocean conservation and environmental stewardship is reflected in his efforts to raise awareness about the importance of preserving marine environments for future generations.
Beyond his work in the field, Kelly is an advocate for ocean education and has inspired countless individuals to explore and protect the world's oceans. As a sought-after speaker and thought leader, he continues to share his experiences and insights, motivating others to engage with the ocean's mysteries and contribute to the global effort to protect our planet's most vital ecosystems.
James Fountain
Commander G. Mark Miller
James Fountain
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.
Sophie Kreutz
Commander G. Mark Miller
Commander G. Mark Miller
Education & VR Project Advisor
Sophie Kreutz, an American explorer and seasoned educator, assumes the pivotal role of Expedition Audacity's Education Outreach and VR Program Advisor. Possessing nearly a decade of expertise in international exchange and exploration advocacy, Sophie is a virtuoso in crewing aquatic expeditions and cross-dis
Education & VR Project Advisor
Sophie Kreutz, an American explorer and seasoned educator, assumes the pivotal role of Expedition Audacity's Education Outreach and VR Program Advisor. Possessing nearly a decade of expertise in international exchange and exploration advocacy, Sophie is a virtuoso in crewing aquatic expeditions and cross-disciplinary curriculum development.
Her illustrious journey includes consecutive U.S. Fulbright Scholarships to Mexico, teaching art and outdoor education at the prestigious Island School in the Bahamas, and active involvement in the NYC STEM Education Network's steering committee. Graduating with honors from the College of Charleston with a B.S. in Marine Biology and Chemistry, Sophie is a certified dive instructor, accomplished artist, and fluent Spanish speaker.
Sophie's ardor is particularly evident in her ability to translate scientific discoveries into real-time educational resources, underscoring her commitment to bridging the gap between exploration and knowledge dissemination.
Commander G. Mark Miller
Commander G. Mark Miller
Commander G. Mark Miller
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/
Jean Lemire O.C.,
Jean Lemire O.C.,
Jean Lemire O.C.,
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.
Robin Brooks
Jean Lemire O.C.,
Jean Lemire O.C.,
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.
Erden Eruc
Jean Lemire O.C.,
Dr. Martin T. Nweeia
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.
Dr. Martin T. Nweeia
Dr. Martin T. Nweeia
Dr. Martin T. Nweeia
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.
Partners
Privateer
The Paul Walker Foundation
Mission Blue
Privateer is creating the data infrastructure that will enable sustainable growth for the new space economy.
Our proprietary knowledge graph technology offers much-needed enhancements to how we collect and process information about space objects. Even as orbital highways become more congested, this data and the applications built on it wi
Privateer is creating the data infrastructure that will enable sustainable growth for the new space economy.
Our proprietary knowledge graph technology offers much-needed enhancements to how we collect and process information about space objects. Even as orbital highways become more congested, this data and the applications built on it will allow space operators to maneuver safely and effectively.
The first of many apps to be built on Privateer’s data engine is Wayfinder: an open-access and near real-time visualization of satellites and debris in Earth orbit.
Alex Fielding
CEO & Chairman
An experienced leader and innovator in tech, Alex has served in leadership roles at companies like Apple and Exodus Communications, as well as co-founding Wheels of Zeus and Ripcord.
Steve Wozniak
Co-Founder
Silicon Valley icon and co-founder of Apple, Steve has been a tech entrepreneur for more than 40 years.
Dr. Moriba Jah
Chief Scientist
Moriba is a renowned astrodynamicist, a space environmentalist, and an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin. As Privateer’s Chief Scientist, he is the visionary behind our innovative technology.
Mission Blue
The Paul Walker Foundation
Mission Blue
Mission Blue inspires action to explore and protect the ocean. Led by legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue is uniting a global coalition to inspire an upwelling of public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas – Hope Spots. Under Dr. Earle’s leadership, the Mission Blue team impl
Mission Blue inspires action to explore and protect the ocean. Led by legendary oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, Mission Blue is uniting a global coalition to inspire an upwelling of public awareness, access and support for a worldwide network of marine protected areas – Hope Spots. Under Dr. Earle’s leadership, the Mission Blue team implements communications campaigns that elevate Hope Spots to the world stage through documentaries, social media, traditional media and innovative tools like Esri ArcGIS. Mission Blue also embarks on regular oceanic expeditions that shed light on these vital ecosystems and build support for their protection.
Currently, the Mission Blue alliance includes more than 200 respected ocean conservation groups and like-minded organizations, from large multinational companies to individual scientific teams doing important research. Additionally, Mission Blue supports the work of conservation NGOs that share the mission of building public support for ocean protection. With the concerted effort and passion of people and organizations around the world, Hope Spots can become a reality and form a global network of marine protected areas large enough to restore the ocean, the blue heart of the planet.
Dr Sylvia Earle
Founder & CEO
Meadow Walker, is an emerging philanthropist and
Dr. Sylvia Earle, known as "Her Deepness," is a pioneering National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence renowned for her expertise in marine biology. Born in Gibbstown, New Jersey, on August 30, 1935, Earle developed a passion for nature early in life, exploring the wildlife of Dunedin, Florida, and earning a scholarship to study botany at Florida State University. By age 20, she had completed her master's degree at Duke University, focusing on algae and pioneering the use of SCUBA for marine research.
Earle's career flourished as she conducted groundbreaking research, including a landmark study on Gulf of Mexico aquatic plants for her Ph.D. in botany from Duke. She continued to push boundaries, becoming the first woman to enter an experimental underwater habitat during the Smithsonian's Man-in-Sea project. In 1970, she led an all-female team in the Tektite II Project, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in marine science.
Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Earle collaborated with photographer Al Giddings, exploring the deep ocean and documenting her experiences in publications and documentaries. She co-founded companies focused on underwater technology and served as Chief Scientist of NOAA in 1990, advocating fiercely for ocean conservation.
Earle's contributions to marine science are vast and impactful, reflected in over 200 publications and numerous honors, including the 2009 TED Prize and designation as a Time magazine Hero for the Planet. She continues to lead as President of the Mission Blue/Sylvia Earle Alliance, dedicated to establishing marine protected areas known as "Hope Spots" worldwide, emphasizing the urgent need for ocean preservation amidst global environmental challenges.
The Paul Walker Foundation
The Paul Walker Foundation
The Paul Walker Foundation
Paul Walker lived life full of heart and character. His acts of kindness were impactful beyond his years. This foundation is an enduring light of Paul’s unique spirit. Led by Meadow Walker, the foundation hopes to leave people better educated and equipped to deal with the challenges of tomorrow.
Meadow Walker
Founder & CEO
Meadow Walker,
Paul Walker lived life full of heart and character. His acts of kindness were impactful beyond his years. This foundation is an enduring light of Paul’s unique spirit. Led by Meadow Walker, the foundation hopes to leave people better educated and equipped to deal with the challenges of tomorrow.
Meadow Walker
Founder & CEO
Meadow Walker, is an emerging philanthropist and advocate for environmental conservation and marine life preservation. She is the only daughter of the late actor and philanthropist Paul Walker, known for his role in the "Fast & Furious" film series.
Raised in California, Meadow developed a deep love for nature and the ocean from a young age, inspired by her father's passion for marine biology and conservation efforts. Following Paul Walker's tragic passing in 2013, Meadow inherited not only his compassion for environmental causes but also his commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Driven by her desire to continue her father's legacy, Meadow has actively engaged in charitable work, particularly focusing on initiatives related to ocean conservation. She has collaborated with various organizations dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems, advocating for sustainable practices, and raising awareness about the importance of preserving ocean biodiversity.
Meadow's advocacy extends beyond environmental issues; she is also passionate about promoting education and empowerment for young people. Through her philanthropic endeavors, she aims to inspire others to take action and make a difference in their communities and the world at large.
In addition to her advocacy work, Meadow is pursuing her academic interests and exploring opportunities to contribute meaningfully to society. She remains dedicated to honoring her father's memory through her ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and compassionate world.
“Reflecting on my father, I found myself reflecting on his passions: his passion for helping people, and his passion for spontaneous goodwill.”
Joe Grabowski
Joe Grabowski
The Paul Walker Foundation
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.
John Higley
Joe Grabowski
John Higley
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.