Dan Stover
Director
Dan Stover joined the Earthwatch team in March 2008 as director of the North America Regional Climate Center based at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) in Edgewater, Maryland. His key responsibilities include coordinating all aspects of the research program, managing the center and its staff, and executing the program effectively.
Dan entered the position with an impressive science background; he is a plant ecologist and holds a Ph.D. in Ecological Sciences from Old Dominion University (2007) in Virginia, as well as an M.S. in Environmental Plant Biology and three bachelor's degrees in Biology, Agriculture, and Interdepartmental Studies-all from West Virginia University.
Dan jokes that this is the first time in 13 years that he is "sticking his head above the ground." His research until now has focused on the ecology of roots. Dan was recently a post-doctoral researcher at the Kennedy Space Center (Florida) where he studied the response of the below-ground ecosystem (roots and soil) to elevated carbon dioxide levels. He is excited to implement a "root-focused" component to the overall research program of the HSBC Climate Partnership, which is more explicitly focused on the parts of the tree above the ground-including how to manage forests in a changing climate.
In addition to his research experience, Dan also brings to the job an ability to translate the jargon of science into layman's terms, as well as a wealth of teaching experience. "I taught classes for six years throughout my academic career, and enjoy translating science words and concepts into bite-sized nuggets that people can digest," he said.
Dan said this job is a bit of a regime shift for him. He was on the "tenure track," he said-assuming he'd remain within the academic community-but was thrilled when this opportunity showed up. "I'm excited to teach the climate champions about science and to show them that not all scientists are geeks in lab coats. I want them to experience how much fun it is to get out in the field," he said.
When asked about why the HSBC Climate Partnership is exciting, Dan said:
"The HSBC Climate Partnership is an exciting program because it is so timely. We're at a critical juncture as a society to make the decision about whether we want to carry on with the habits that are unsustainable, or whether we want to make the changes so that our future and our children and our society as a whole can survive. This partnership comes at a perfect time. And, while NGOs have worked on this issue for years and years, traditionally they've been fighting the ‘corporate bad guys.' Here, it's refreshing to see a corporation like HSBC-that has very significant power in influencing other business and individuals-willing to take the steps toward sustainability. If they don't make these changes, then ‘business as usual' will never be ‘business as usual' again. An ounce of change today is worth a pound of results later."
Rebecca Wadler-Lase
Learning & Communications Manager
Rebecca joined Earthwatch in April 2008. As Learning and Communications Manager, she facilitates the evening learning sessions about climate change, supports the climate champions as they progress through the intensive 12-day program, and assists with all communications and outreach objectives.
Rebecca's diverse background in conservation biology and training/outreach started when she earned a BA in Primate Ethology from Hamilton College in 2000. As part of her academic program, she lived and worked in Tanzania to learn about wildlife conservation and management, researched black and white colobus monkeys, and worked with chimpanzees proficient in American Sign Language.
After graduating, Rebecca was the field station manager and research assistant for a wild orangutan research project in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and later became research coordinator for Camp Leakey, a world renowned orangutan research/rehabilitation facility in Central Kalimantan. In addition to participating in life history research, she assisted with anti-illegal logging patrols and educated both local and foreign visitors about orangutans and conservation issues. Then she became Project Coordinator for the Eco-Trainers Program at Yayasan IDEP in Bali, Indonesia. Eco-Trainers work with local communities, schools and large tourist hotels and businesses to develop hands-on, environmental education programs on waste management, recycling, organic gardening, and sustainable agriculture.
After the earthquake and tsunami in Northern Sumatra, Rebecca was sent to Nias, Sumatra to facilitate coordination between national and international aid organization for the distribution of emergency aid. She developed a "training of trainers" workshop with the national NGOs to implement organic vegetable gardening and composting projects in the rural communities most economically affected by the earthquake.
Rebecca then earned an MA in Conservation Biology at Columbia University, where she worked with the Center for Environmental Research and Conservation (CERC) to develop an ecology-based integrated curriculum implemented at a school in Brooklyn, NY. She also worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society and American Museum of Natural History on various environmental education and conservation programs.
After graduating last May, Rebecca worked in internships at Columbia University, Wildlife Conservation Society, American Museum of Natural History, and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden. She was also on the planning and development committee for a new high school in New York City called the Academy for Conservation and the Environment (ACE), which uses the environment, conservation and sustainability as a focus for learning. She continues to help with the planning of the school-slated to open September 2008.
Rebecca's hobbies include, in her words: "gardening; belly dancing; music; amassing obscure trivia facts to impress my friends and family; spending time with my husband and our very spoiled cockatiel, Ruby; and trying to make the world a better/ happier place to live."
When asked what it means to be a part of the HSBC Climate Partnership, she said:
"The HSBC Climate Partnership exemplifies Margaret Mead's quote: ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has.' I am thrilled to be part of the program that will inspire HSBC employees and others to take action on some of the largest environmental issues that are facing the world right now. I am excited that I have the opportunity to help the Climate Champions explore the environmental issues around the world as well as in their backyard, and help them explore the simple things they can do to make the world a better place."
Darren Semones
Support and Logistics Officer
Darren holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Outdoor Education from Ohio University. Darren served in the Peace Corps in Belize, where he worked as an Environmental Education and Organizational Strengthening Officer. In Belize, he worked in Monkey River Village with the local fisherman's association to develop sustainable fishing methods and with the tour guides association to conserve their land and waters while attracting more tourists to the area. Darren has also worked with Alaska Discovery, an eco-tourism outfitter based in Juneau, Alaska, in the areas of logistics and trip outfitting.
Darren's hobbies and interests include foreign travel (including Vietnam, Thailand, and anywhere off the beatn track), telemark skiing, kayaking and spending time with wife Marianne and two dogs, Beli and Beans.
When asked why he's excited about the HSBC Climate Partnership, Darren said:
“I am excited to be a part of the HSBC Climate Partnership because it is an opportunity for people to empower themselves and their business to take the lead in the ever growing problem and situation of climate change. This program will give HSBC employees the tools and knowledge to make small and big changes in their work place and community. One person’s actions can have a cascading effect on those around them. This program will set a standard for other companies and corporations to model to continue operating in an ever changing and dynamic global society.”