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Board of Directors
Captain Red
Dr. Pep Charusanti PhD
Heidi Barrenger
Founder, Chairman & Captain
Christopher Redman is a Canadian explorer, filmmaker, and maritime operations leader whose work sits at the intersection of science, storytelling, and direct action. Raised around the Great Lakes and trained in youth sail programs and wilderness guiding, he learned early that the best education comes from w
Founder, Chairman & Captain
Christopher Redman is a Canadian explorer, filmmaker, and maritime operations leader whose work sits at the intersection of science, storytelling, and direct action. Raised around the Great Lakes and trained in youth sail programs and wilderness guiding, he learned early that the best education comes from weather, tide, and consequence. His background spans paramedicine, crisis response, and two decades in film and documentary production, where he specialised in translating complex, real-world missions into narratives that move people to care.
After recovering from a life-altering accident, Red returned to the sea with purpose. He now lives and works aboard a steel research vessel, leading global expeditions that document the impacts of climate change and support Indigenous-led conservation. His focus is simple and uncompromising: amplify the voices of the ocean and the communities who still remember how to listen to it.
Heidi Barrenger
Dr. Pep Charusanti PhD
Heidi Barrenger
Operations Director & Oceania Board Member
With more than two decades of experience in the creative industries, operations management, and educational travel, Heidi brings a broad and strategic perspective to her role as a board member. Her career began in the South Australian film industry, where she advanced from Production Manager to
Operations Director & Oceania Board Member
With more than two decades of experience in the creative industries, operations management, and educational travel, Heidi brings a broad and strategic perspective to her role as a board member. Her career began in the South Australian film industry, where she advanced from Production Manager to General Manager, gaining expertise in operations, business planning, and leadership. After relocating to New Zealand for 15 years to raise her daughters, she remained engaged in community and purpose-driven initiatives. Now back in South Australia, Heidi works in educational group travel, helping schools deliver transformative international learning. Passionate about exploration, youth development, and sustainability, she believes in the power of education and collaboration to create meaningful change.
Dr. Pep Charusanti PhD
Dr. Pep Charusanti PhD
Dr. Pep Charusanti PhD
Scientific Director & European Board Member
Pep is a Senior Researcher at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability and a Ph.D.-level scientist focused on the discovery of new bioactive compounds from Streptomyces bacteria—work with potential applications ranging from novel medicines to sustainable agricultural solutions.
Scientific Director & European Board Member
Pep is a Senior Researcher at the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability and a Ph.D.-level scientist focused on the discovery of new bioactive compounds from Streptomyces bacteria—work with potential applications ranging from novel medicines to sustainable agricultural solutions. With extensive expertise in molecular biology, chemistry, and computational analysis, he has led small research teams, secured major grant funding, and trained the next generation of scientists. Alongside his research, Pep brings strong experience in business development and project management, blending scientific insight with strategic leadership. A passionate traveller, he pairs his love for global exploration with a commitment to advancing innovation that connects people, planet, and possibility.
Julius Arscott
Julius Arscott
Dr. Pep Charusanti PhD
Public Advocacy, Community Stewardship & Canadian Board Member
Julius Arscott is a long-standing public sector worker and advocate of organized labour based in Toronto, known for his steady leadership, principled voice, and commitment to accountability in institutions that shape everyday life. With years of experience in governance an
Public Advocacy, Community Stewardship & Canadian Board Member
Julius Arscott is a long-standing public sector worker and advocate of organized labour based in Toronto, known for his steady leadership, principled voice, and commitment to accountability in institutions that shape everyday life. With years of experience in governance and representation through the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/SEFPO), Julius has worked to ensure that decision-making serves people, not power.
He brings to Expedition Audacity a deep understanding of organisational culture, transparent governance, and public trust-building — the foundations that allow mission-driven work to endure.
On the Board, Julius helps guide strategic direction, ethical oversight, and community alignment, ensuring that our actions match our values.
He reminds us that justice in conservation is inseparable from justice in how we treat each other — inside the organisation and across the communities we serve.
James Fountain
Julius Arscott
James Fountain
Sustainability Director & USA Board Member
With more than two decades of expertise in sustainability and ESG strategy, James has held leadership roles in Big 4 accounting firms, consulted to top-tier corporations, and worked with the United Nations on eco-centric transformations. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and member of t
Sustainability Director & USA Board Member
With more than two decades of expertise in sustainability and ESG strategy, James has held leadership roles in Big 4 accounting firms, consulted to top-tier corporations, and worked with the United Nations on eco-centric transformations. A Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and member of the Explorers Club, he is also a best-selling author and documentary producer focused on environmental challenges and Indigenous communities. Beginning his career as a cartographer with National Geographic, James has journeyed from mapping the world to preserving it. A passionate advocate for justice, sustainability, and equality, he combines professional insight with lived experience from Indigenous communities worldwide. Currently, he is on a global motorcycle expedition, documenting cultures and environments at the frontlines of change.
Whiskey
Julius Arscott
James Fountain
Director of Morale
Whiskey, our four-legged Director of Morale, brings an unerring nose for adventure and a steady paw to the helm. A seasoned seadog, he has logged countless hours aboard, ensuring spirits remain high and no sandwich goes unguarded. Equal parts navigator and mascot, Whiskey embodies loyalty, curiosity, and joy—reminding
Director of Morale
Whiskey, our four-legged Director of Morale, brings an unerring nose for adventure and a steady paw to the helm. A seasoned seadog, he has logged countless hours aboard, ensuring spirits remain high and no sandwich goes unguarded. Equal parts navigator and mascot, Whiskey embodies loyalty, curiosity, and joy—reminding the crew that exploration is as much about heart as it is about discovery. Whether keeping watch from the bow or dozing in the sun, he remains a steadfast companion, proving that every great voyage benefits from a wagging tail.
Board Advisors
Kristen Korhonen
Kristen Korhonen
Kristen Korhonen
Strategic Partnerships & Ethical Finance
Kristen Korhonen is a Vice President at BMO, where she leads with clarity, accountability, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of capital. She understands that finance is not abstract — it shapes communities, ecosystems, and futures — and she works to ensure that investment decisions s
Strategic Partnerships & Ethical Finance
Kristen Korhonen is a Vice President at BMO, where she leads with clarity, accountability, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of capital. She understands that finance is not abstract — it shapes communities, ecosystems, and futures — and she works to ensure that investment decisions support long-term wellbeing rather than short-term gain.
With Expedition Audacity, Kristen advises on ethical funding strategy, partnership development, and donor alignment, helping us resource our mission without compromising our values. Her guidance strengthens our ability to build trust, sustain meaningful relationships, and support conservation work that lasts.
She reminds us that lasting change is built on integrity — not urgency.
Jeremy McKane
Kristen Korhonen
Kristen Korhonen
Technology & Development Advisor
Jeremy McKane is the CEO of OCN.ai, a company harnessing technology to measure and interpret ocean data while advancing a nature-based economy. An accomplished artist, member of The Explorers Club, and ambassador for 5Gyres and Coral Gardeners, Jeremy brings a unique blend of creativity and innovation to
Technology & Development Advisor
Jeremy McKane is the CEO of OCN.ai, a company harnessing technology to measure and interpret ocean data while advancing a nature-based economy. An accomplished artist, member of The Explorers Club, and ambassador for 5Gyres and Coral Gardeners, Jeremy brings a unique blend of creativity and innovation to ocean conservation. He is also co-founder of Ultramarine, an annual gathering on Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island that unites leaders to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030. Through OCN.ai, Jeremy is creating a platform that helps governments, businesses, and individuals recognise the true value of ocean health. Driven by the belief that every second breath comes from the sea, he combines technology, art, and advocacy to ensure the ocean receives the protection it urgently deserves.
Dove Joans
Kristen Korhonen
Dr. Tom Woodcock PhD
Cetacean Culture & Inter-Species Communication
Dove Joans — known widely as “DolphinGirl” — has spent more than four decades working at the convergence of science, storytelling, and the lived emotional worlds of cetaceans. Her work is rooted in a simple truth: whales and dolphins are not objects of study, but nations of beings with cultu
Cetacean Culture & Inter-Species Communication
Dove Joans — known widely as “DolphinGirl” — has spent more than four decades working at the convergence of science, storytelling, and the lived emotional worlds of cetaceans. Her work is rooted in a simple truth: whales and dolphins are not objects of study, but nations of beings with cultures, memories, and family bonds of their own.
Dove has collaborated with researchers, conservationists, Indigenous knowledge holders, and coastal communities around the world, contributing to efforts that protect wild cetaceans and challenge the captivity industry. Her writing, media work, and public speaking have helped shift global understanding of dolphins and whales from entertainment to kinship.
Dove reminds us that the ocean is not a backdrop — it is a community of lives in conversation.
And we are only learning how to listen.
Dr. Tom Woodcock PhD
Dr. Tom Woodcock PhD
Dr. Tom Woodcock PhD
Ecological Stewardship & Science Advisor
Dr. Tom Woodcock is a Planning Ecologist specialising in land stewardship, ecological restoration, and the protection of threatened habitats. With a background in pollination ecology and landscape resilience, Tom’s work focuses on how healthy ecosystems sustain both biodiversity and human wellbe
Ecological Stewardship & Science Advisor
Dr. Tom Woodcock is a Planning Ecologist specialising in land stewardship, ecological restoration, and the protection of threatened habitats. With a background in pollination ecology and landscape resilience, Tom’s work focuses on how healthy ecosystems sustain both biodiversity and human wellbeing. He currently serves as the Planning Ecologist for the rare Charitable Research Reserve in southern Ontario, where he leads science-based conservation planning across forests, wetlands, grasslands, and culturally significant landscapes.
Tom’s research on native pollinators has informed national and regional strategies for biodiversity protection, bridging academic science with practical, community-driven stewardship. He has collaborated with municipalities, universities, Indigenous groups, and conservation organisations to protect ecologically sensitive lands and develop long-term restoration plans grounded in evidence, respect, and local context.
Driven by the understanding that thriving landscapes are foundational to climate resilience, Tom works to ensure conservation decisions today safeguard the ecological inheritance of future generations. His advisory role supports Expedition Audacity’s commitment to ethical, science-led conservation rooted in collaboration and responsibility.
Jesse Evans
Dr. Tom Woodcock PhD
Jesse Evans
Development Advisor
Jesse Evans, COO and Co-Founder of Maverick Biometals, is pioneering sustainable metal extraction with BioExtraction technology designed to recover lithium, rare earth elements, and other critical metals more efficiently and responsibly. A seasoned entrepreneur with a background in business and environmental science,
Development Advisor
Jesse Evans, COO and Co-Founder of Maverick Biometals, is pioneering sustainable metal extraction with BioExtraction technology designed to recover lithium, rare earth elements, and other critical metals more efficiently and responsibly. A seasoned entrepreneur with a background in business and environmental science, Jesse has played key roles in multiple venture-backed companies, driving business development and commercialization. He blends strategic vision with a passion for environmental stewardship, charting a course for a metals industry that is both profitable and sustainable. By aligning technological progress with ecological responsibility, Jesse is helping to redefine how the world sources the materials essential to a cleaner future.
Dan Smith
Dr. Tom Woodcock PhD
Jesse Evans
Culture, Leadership & Human Stewardship
Dan Smith spent many years in senior Human Resources and Marketing leadership at ATB, where he focused on building organisations that actually feel human — workplaces shaped by trust, clarity, and values rather than performance theatre. His work has always centred on people: how they communicate,
Culture, Leadership & Human Stewardship
Dan Smith spent many years in senior Human Resources and Marketing leadership at ATB, where he focused on building organisations that actually feel human — workplaces shaped by trust, clarity, and values rather than performance theatre. His work has always centred on people: how they communicate, how they collaborate, and how they thrive together with purpose.
Lawrence understands culture not as slogans, but as everyday behaviour — the small choices that determine whether a team fractures or becomes a family. His leadership approach is pragmatic, steady, and deeply relationship-driven.
He helps ensure that as we grow, we grow well — with integrity, clarity of purpose, and the kind of internal trust that makes real work possible.
Lawrence reminds us that the health of an organisation is measured not by scale, but by how we treat each other.
Expedition Advisors
Captain Paul Watson
Captain Paul Watson
Captain Paul Watson
Expedition & Advocacy Advisor
Captain Paul Watson has spent his life doing the one thing most people claim to believe in and nearly no one is willing to actually do: defend the ocean with action, not slogans. A founding member of Greenpeace and the founder of Sea Shepherd, Paul pioneered the concept of direct intervention — physically
Expedition & Advocacy Advisor
Captain Paul Watson has spent his life doing the one thing most people claim to believe in and nearly no one is willing to actually do: defend the ocean with action, not slogans. A founding member of Greenpeace and the founder of Sea Shepherd, Paul pioneered the concept of direct intervention — physically placing bodies, vessels, and courage between marine life and those who profit from its destruction.
For over five decades, he has led campaigns on every ocean, dismantling illegal whaling operations, shutting down pirate fishing fleets, and forcing world governments to confront the fact that “sustainability” means nothing without enforcement. His methods have been debated in Parliament, praised in the Galápagos, shouted about on cable news, and taught quietly to every young activist who’s ever stood a little taller because they saw someone refuse to look away.
Paul joins Expedition Audacity as an Advisor, not as a symbol, but as a strategist — a man who understands that the future of ocean defence requires collaboration, intelligence, and global coordination. His experience informs our approach to marine protection zones, Indigenous-led conservation alliances, and the expansion of ethical sanctuary models that offer captive marine mammals a life of dignity beyond concrete tanks.
He believes — as we do — that the ocean is alive, and worth protecting without apology.
We’re honoured to have him on this voyage.
Dr Sylvia Earle
Captain Paul Watson
Captain Paul Watson
Expedition & Science Advisor
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 s
Expedition & Science Advisor
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.
Fabien Cousteau
Captain Paul Watson
Fabien Cousteau
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.
Kelly Walsh
Jean Lemire O.C.,
Fabien Cousteau
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 desce
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.
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 fo
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 environmental issues, 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.
Erden Eruc
Jean Lemire O.C.,
Jean Lemire O.C.,
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
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.
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
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 environments 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.
Science Advisors
Dr. Dyhia Belhabib PhD
Dr. Dyhia Belhabib PhD
Dr. Dyhia Belhabib PhD
Research Advisor
Dr. Dyhia Belhabib is an expert on fisheries, maritime crime, and socially just conservation and marine sciences. She is currently a Principal Investigator at Ecotrust Canada, where she founded Spyglass, the most comprehensive criminal record of fishing vessels in the world. She is also an Executive Director at Nautical
Research Advisor
Dr. Dyhia Belhabib is an expert on fisheries, maritime crime, and socially just conservation and marine sciences. She is currently a Principal Investigator at Ecotrust Canada, where she founded Spyglass, the most comprehensive criminal record of fishing vessels in the world. She is also an Executive Director at Nautical Crime Investigation Services where she works on creating technologies and driving intelligence for law enforcement.
Dyhia has developed a comprehensive curriculum on enhancing effective enforcement at sea for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and works on building capacity in multiple jurisdictions around the world.
She has collaborated with local communities and organizations to advocate for responsible fishing practices and build capacity in marine conservation and enforcement. Her deep knowledge of the ocean front has helped her to identify the specific challenges facing small-scale fishers, such as access to credit, infrastructure, and market opportunities, and understanding the drivers of criminality.
Her work has been featured on the New York Times, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, CBC news, LePoint.fr, and a multitude of other news outlets. She is also a TED Speaker talking about how she creates technology to support law enforcement.
Dyhia Belhabib obtained a PhD in Resource Management and Environmental Studies from the University of British Columbia in 2014 and has authored over 110 peer reviewed articles, book chapters, and reports.
Dr. Victoria Hill PhD
Dr. Dyhia Belhabib PhD
Dr. Dyhia Belhabib PhD
Arctic Research Advisor
Dr. Victoria Hill, PhD, is a distinguished Assistant Professor in the Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences at Old Dominion University. With a robust background in marine science, she brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her academic pursuits.
Dr. Hill's research endeavors encompass a diverse range of topi
Arctic Research Advisor
Dr. Victoria Hill, PhD, is a distinguished Assistant Professor in the Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences at Old Dominion University. With a robust background in marine science, she brings a wealth of expertise and passion to her academic pursuits.
Dr. Hill's research endeavors encompass a diverse range of topics within the field of oceanography, with a particular focus on understanding the intricate dynamics of marine ecosystems. Her contributions to the scientific community include pioneering work in areas such as environmental crisis impact on coastal regions, ocean circulation patterns, and the role of phytoplankton in carbon cycling.
As a dedicated educator, Dr. Hill is committed to nurturing the next generation of marine scientists. Her engaging teaching style and hands-on approach provide students with valuable insights into the complexities of our oceans. Through her mentorship, she inspires curiosity and a deep appreciation for the wonders of the marine environment.
With a keen eye for interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Hill actively collaborates with researchers, institutions, and organizations worldwide. Her work not only expands our understanding of marine systems but also contributes to the broader conversation on environmental sustainability and conservation.
Dr. Victoria Hill stands at the forefront of ocean and earth sciences, bridging research, education, and outreach to create a positive impact on our understanding of the world's oceans.
Gaelin Rosenwaks
Dr. Dyhia Belhabib PhD
Gaelin Rosenwaks
Science & Ethics Advisor
Gaelin Rosenwaks is a marine scientist, explorer, photographer, and filmmaker with an insatiable passion for the ocean. Her fascination with the marine world began early, diving into the depths at just 14 years old. Since then, she has dedicated her life to uncovering the mysteries of ocean ecosystems, beginni
Science & Ethics Advisor
Gaelin Rosenwaks is a marine scientist, explorer, photographer, and filmmaker with an insatiable passion for the ocean. Her fascination with the marine world began early, diving into the depths at just 14 years old. Since then, she has dedicated her life to uncovering the mysteries of ocean ecosystems, beginning her career at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where she studied the overwintering patterns of Southern Ocean zooplankton.
With a Master’s in Coastal Environmental Management from Duke University, Gaelin’s research on the migratory movements of Giant Bluefin Tuna with the Tag-A-Giant program has taken her from the frigid icebreakers of the Arctic and Antarctic to fishing vessels in the Atlantic and Pacific. For Gaelin, nothing compares to the serenity and wonder of the open ocean, surrounded by endless blue and the vibrant wildlife that calls it home.
Driven by a deep concern for the changing oceans, Gaelin founded Global Ocean Exploration (GOE), a platform to share her passion for marine conservation and expedition science. Through photography, writing, and filmmaking, GOE brings the wonders of the deep to the surface, engaging the public with the challenges facing the oceans and the groundbreaking science working to solve them.
A US Coast Guard-licensed captain and Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and The Explorers Club, Gaelin has carried the prestigious Explorers Club Flag on Arctic expeditions. Her work has been featured in scientific journals, global conferences, and exhibitions, including solo shows at Duke University and The Maritime Aquarium. She has also appeared as an expert on The Discovery Channel, Science Channel, CBS News, and as a presenter on National Geographic’s Fish Warrior.
One of her career highlights was serving as expedition biologist and photographer during a submarine exploration of the Blue Hole with Sir Richard Branson and Fabien Cousteau, an event live-streamed on Discovery Channel and documented on Science Channel. Her recent work, including her project on sperm whales, has earned widespread acclaim, with features in Outside Magazine and screenings at top-tier film festivals.
Gaelin’s infectious passion for the ocean inspires others to care deeply for our planet. Through her lens, she invites the world to marvel at the beauty and fragility of the marine environment, reminding us all of the vital role we play in its preservation. Say something interesting about your business here.
Eric Herrera
Dr. Martin T. Nweeia
Gaelin Rosenwaks
Science Advisor
Eric, CEO and Co-Founder of Maverick Biometals, is a trailblazing synthetic biologist with a knack for pushing the boundaries of biotech innovation. His journey has taken him from enzymology research at the Oak Ridge National Institute for Science Education and the US Army Medical Research Institute for Chemical Defense
Science Advisor
Eric, CEO and Co-Founder of Maverick Biometals, is a trailblazing synthetic biologist with a knack for pushing the boundaries of biotech innovation. His journey has taken him from enzymology research at the Oak Ridge National Institute for Science Education and the US Army Medical Research Institute for Chemical Defense to fieldwork in environmental toxicology across Mexico and Ghana.
With a passion for simplifying industrial systems, Eric is dedicated to harnessing the power of biotechnology to revolutionize industries, reducing costs and complexities along the way. But his story doesn’t stop at the lab—Eric’s studies in anthropology have led him to uncover mysteries of the past, including the discovery of a lost temple!
Whether he’s decoding the secrets of enzymes or sharing tales of his archaeological adventures, Eric embodies the spirit of curiosity and innovation that fuels Maverick Biometals.
Dr. Martin T. Nweeia
Dr. Martin T. Nweeia
Dr. Martin T. Nweeia
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 the Anniv
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 the 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 ofHarvard/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.
Martin's work has been featured onthe 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 episodefrom Wild Chronicles and the Lowell Thomas Award from the Explorers Club, World Center for Exploration.
Management
Kelsey & Josie
Kelsey & Josie
Kelsey & Josie
Associate Producer, Office Manager & Official Mascot (Josie)
Kelsey grew up in Northern Ontario surrounded by forests, lakes, and cliffs, a love of nature that has remained central to her life. Now a Toronto resident and Special Effects Technician with IATSE 873, she balances a career in film with time in city parks or at her property ne
Associate Producer, Office Manager & Official Mascot (Josie)
Kelsey grew up in Northern Ontario surrounded by forests, lakes, and cliffs, a love of nature that has remained central to her life. Now a Toronto resident and Special Effects Technician with IATSE 873, she balances a career in film with time in city parks or at her property near Algonquin Park. A mother to Josephine—nicknamed the Kraken by her Uncle Red—Kelsey is deeply engaged in conservation, working with groups such as For Our Kids and ClimateFast. Alongside her soon-to-be husband, she continues to seek adventure through rock climbing, travel, and exploration. A trained welder and lifelong learner, she combines creativity and resilience with a strong commitment to environmental activism and protecting the natural world for future generations.
Jeff
Kelsey & Josie
Kelsey & Josie
Operations & Finance Manager
Go ahead ask me for money!
Jeff translates hard logistics into calm seas. Trained in the sciences at Queen’s University and forged in Canada’s transport sector, he’s managed dedicated fleets, driver networks, and chemical/bulk movements where timing, safety, and compliance aren’t negotiable — they’re oxygen. A
Operations & Finance Manager
Go ahead ask me for money!
Jeff translates hard logistics into calm seas. Trained in the sciences at Queen’s University and forged in Canada’s transport sector, he’s managed dedicated fleets, driver networks, and chemical/bulk movements where timing, safety, and compliance aren’t negotiable — they’re oxygen. At Tandet, he supported dedicated operations across the GTA, building the kind of quietly reliable systems that make ambitious projects possible.
At EAR, Jeff applies that same discipline to field budgets, vendor relations, and expedition logistics — aligning cashflow with crew, fuel, gear, and science windows. He’s the person who turns “we should” into “we can,” stitching together schedules, suppliers, and safeguards so our teams can focus on the work: protecting ocean life and telling the story responsibly. Numbers first, ego last — that’s Jeff’s way of keeping the mission moving.
Emily
Kelsey & Josie
Emily
Social Media Manager
Emily walked away from a decade in corporate programme management to pursue the one thing she couldn’t stop thinking about: the wild. With degrees in International Relations, Finance, and Economics, plus an MBA, she brings strategic clarity into places where plans depend on weather, instinct, and respect.
She has trav
Social Media Manager
Emily walked away from a decade in corporate programme management to pursue the one thing she couldn’t stop thinking about: the wild. With degrees in International Relations, Finance, and Economics, plus an MBA, she brings strategic clarity into places where plans depend on weather, instinct, and respect.
She has travelled through 92 countries across all seven continents, but a month-long journey through the Ross Sea changed her trajectory. After sailing from New Zealand to Argentina through Antarctic waters, Emily recognised that surface-level exploration wasn’t enough. She trained as a scuba instructor and now specialises in polar diving—descending into sub-zero waters to document ecosystems most people will never witness.
During the pandemic, she balanced a remote career while guiding others into remote travel, proving that exploration can be purposeful, not escapist. Today, she focuses fully on ocean-centred expeditions, blending field operations with storytelling to help reveal what still survives in the world’s most fragile, overlooked corners.
For Emily, exploration is not about distance travelled — it’s about learning how to listen to a living planet.
Partners
Privateer Space
The Paul Walker Foundation
Privateer Space
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
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
Privateer Space
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 imp
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.
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
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 thrill
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
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 environmental 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.
OCN AI
Joe Grabowski
John Higley
Monitoring the ocean for a healthier world.
Humans use apps and devices to track and enhance their health. That’s what we're doing for the ocean. Our technology enables scientists, governments, and businesses to understand the ocean more completely and to make better and more informed decisions in order to protect it.
OCN is on a mission
Monitoring the ocean for a healthier world.
Humans use apps and devices to track and enhance their health. That’s what we're doing for the ocean. Our technology enables scientists, governments, and businesses to understand the ocean more completely and to make better and more informed decisions in order to protect it.
OCN is on a mission to unite the world’s ocean data sets, create accessible products to incentivize data collection and promote a regenerative blue economy.
Right now we have a very arduous and manual process regarding how we collect data and understand the ocean. It's actually easier to go to outer space to collect data than it is at the bottom of the ocean. It doesn't have to be.
OCN is the missing link that unites the world's ocean data sets and creates products and technology to encourage practical citizen data collection. We are not just creating ways to combine and collect more data, we are designing products, systems and communities to collect the necessary data to interpret overall ocean health. Only the right data can help us better understand the threats to our ocean and create real, trackable solutions.
