Spotlight
Summer Lajoie: The Simplicity of Creation
Summer Lajoie merges artistry with nature, creating ephemeral art that captures the fleeting beauty of the natural world. Each creation reflects a moment of profound connection and presence.
For Summer, art is more than just a form of expression; it’s a vital ritual. Inspired by the transient works of Andy Goldsworthy, she engages with the environment, crafting art from the elements she encounters. This process focuses less on the final product and more on the act of creation itself.
Dr. Tamberly Conway: Nurturing Forests & Human Health
Dr. Tamberly Conway, Founder and CEO of Conservation Conexions, is not just a conservationist for our forests but also a leader in the realm of forest therapy.
During her career, Tamberly has worn many hats. From a dedicated Forest Service employee to an Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Certified Guide, entwining her passion for the natural world within each role she has taken on.
She spent her time with the U.S. Forest Service Conservation Education Program advocating for forest health and human wellbeing, primarily for and within diverse communities. In December of 2019, Tamberly left the USFS to fully dedicate herself to Forest Therapy and its ability to connect and nurture both land and human health.
Narda Lebo: Adventurer, Artist, Connector
Raised in a family that cultivated a spirit of adventure, Narda Lebo’s life is brimming with adventure, exploration, and a profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of our world.
“I was raised to be adventurous,” Narda reminisces, recounting her childhood surrounded by vintage biplanes restored by her father and guided by her mother’s teachings on how to be a world traveler.
Throughout her career, Narda has journeyed through diverse disciplines, collaborating with doctors, scientists, archaeologists, and architects to create narratives that would bind together seemingly disparate fields of study.
Peter DeChant: Vector Control Visionary
The story of Peter DeChant, a veteran in the mosquito and vector control profession whose journey spans over four decades, is one of dedication, innovation, and relentless commitment to combating mosquito-borne diseases.
Peter’s journey began in 1978 when he became a field technician with Multnomah County Vector Control in Portland, Oregon. Little did he know then that this would mark the start of a lifelong crusade against one of the deadliest creatures on the planet.
By 1983, Peter’s skills and passion for his work led him to the role of Chief Sanitarian, where he led the program for 14 years. It was during this time that he honed his expertise and laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
David Goodsell: Molecular Biology Meets Artistry
David Goodsell, a distinguished American molecular biologist and illustrator, is renowned for flawlessly blending his expertise in molecular biology with an enchanting artistic flair.
Holding a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, Goodsell’s molecular artwork graces numerous publications, textbooks, and exhibits, offering a visually stunning insight into the intricate structures of molecules, such as Ebola, Zika, Covid-19, and HIV.
Dr. Darin Detwiler: Shaping the Future of Food Safety
Dr. Darin Detwiler, LP.D., M.A.Ed., is an influential figure in the realm of food policy and technology, currently serving as the Assistant Dean of Academic and Faculty Affairs at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies in Boston, MA. In addition to his administrative role, Dr. Detwiler is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Food Policy and leads the MS in Regulatory Affairs of Food and Food Industry program.
With over 25 years of experience influencing federal food policy, Dr. Detwiler is a globally recognized expert in the field with his contributions extending beyond the academic sphere, as he actively engages with industry events and publications.
Faunagraphic’s Art Soars Beyond the Canvas
Faunagraphic, also known as Sarah Yates, is a powerhouse of creative and environmental expression, turning concrete (and regular) canvases into breathtaking murals and paintings that celebrate the birds of our planet.
Hailing from Lancashire, England, she began her career in spray painting at the age of 19 while pursuing her degree in Graphic Design.
Dr. Cali Crampton: Protector of our Feathered Friends
Armed with a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada at Reno, Dr. Lisa “Cali” Crampton is no stranger to the intricacies of avian ecosystems.
Her doctoral research explored the ecology and conservation of Silky-flycatchers (Phainopepla nitens), shedding light on the plight of these threatened passerines in southern Nevada. Not content with theoretical contributions, she led a dynamic team in designing an adaptive management plan as part of the regional Habitat Conservation Plan, a planning document that is recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of the enforcement of the Endangered Species Act, ensuring the preservation of threatened desert woodlands crucial to the survival of Phainopeplas and other sensitive species in Nevada.
Laolu Senbanjo: Tradition and Modernity in Visual Harmony
Laolu Senbanjo, also known as ‘Laolu NYC,’ seamlessly weaves tradition and modernity to create a visual language that transcends cultural boundaries. As a cultural ambassador, he bridges the gap between the ancestral and the contemporary, drawing inspiration from Yoruba tradition and coining two distinct art styles: Afromysterics and the Sacred Art of The Ori.
Dr. Salim Abdulla: The Heart and Soul of Malaria Research
Dr. Salim Abdulla is a distinguished clinical epidemiologist whose remarkable career has significantly impacted the global fight against malaria and emerging pathogens. With over 20 years of experience in conducting clinical trials and groundbreaking research, he has played a pivotal role in shaping national malaria policies and leading innovations in healthcare.
Throughout his career, Dr. Abdulla has focused on evaluating and introducing critical interventions in the fight against malaria. He conducted extensive research on insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) and artemisinin-based combination therapies, leading to important advancements in national malaria policy formulation. Notably, he is currently engaged in the evaluation of new malaria vaccines and treatments, with the goal of achieving regulatory licensure.