**Dr. David Gallo does not work for Headwaters and only provided a lecture for us as a guest scientist as part of our video series. We do not coordinate media contacts for him, field inquiries on his behalf, or have his contact information. You are free to use our Lunch with a Scientist video with credit to Headwaters Science Institute if it is of interest.**
A renowned oceanographer and explorer, David Gallo, Ph.D, joins Headwaters Science Institute to share astonishing footage of rarely seen deep-sea creatures, volcanic vents and his groundbreaking exploration of the Titanic wreckage.
He also shares with Headwaters an extended and updated version of his TEDTalk “Underwater Astonishments” that has received millions of views, which includes the path he took to becoming an oceanographer, the threats our oceans and entire planet face from human impacts and advice for students interested in embarking on a life in science.
For nearly 30 years he was Director of Special Projects at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution – a preeminent, globally recognized scientific laboratory. Subsequently he was Senior Adviser for Strategic Initiatives at RMSTitanic Inc. Today, he is independent and remains at the forefront of ocean exploration, participating in, being witness to and communicating the development of new technologies and scientific discoveries that shape our view of planet earth.
He has been described by TED Conferences as “an enthusiastic ambassador between the sea and those of us on dry land.” With more than 16 million views his TED presentation “Underwater Astonishments” has been among the all-time top TED Talks. Dr. Gallo is personally committed to keeping curiosity alive. He has lectured internationally to audiences ranging from children to CEOs with the goal of awakening the little bit of Jacques Cousteau and Jules Vernes that resides in each of us. He has appeared in numerous documentaries (Discovery Channel, History Channel, National Geographic).
He is also no stranger to televised national and international news programs such as Face the Nation (CBS), Good Morning America (ABC), The Today Show (NBC), The Weather Channel, PBS, and MSNBC). He was a CNN on-air analyst throughout the failed search for Malaysion Flight 370 and remains a CNN ocean analyst today.
Savannah graduated with a degree in Environmental Studies and Public Policy from UC Berkeley. Her thesis was on social and policy dimensions of public lands protection. Savannah grew up in Truckee and is passionate about protecting our environment and engaging others in her love of nature. She loves food systems and being outside, and has most recently worked as a farmer in Nevada County. In her free time, she is happiest swimming in the river, mountain biking, and trying new recipes.
Devanie White is the Program Manager for Headwaters Science Institute. She looks forward to being able to work with this community to support school and summer programming. Devanie has had the opportunity to receive her bachelor’s in Biology and two master’s in Kinesiology and Marine Science and Management. Devanie enjoys being in nature, watching movies, and learning as much as possible.
Courtney is the Data Analyst and Research Experience Manager. A recent graduate from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, she is excited to share her passion for science and data knowledge with Headwaters. Originally from Wyoming, she is excited to make an impact in science education at Headwaters. In her freetime, she can be found trail running, painting, doing yoga, or reading.
Bryn manages school programs and summer camps for Headwaters. She recently received a Master’s degree in environmental science from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. Her Master’s research focused on ocean acidification impacts on sea urchin larvae. Bryn grew up in the Tahoe area and is passionate about providing outdoor education to students and allowing them to take advantage of the outdoor space they have access to. In her free time, she enjoys anything outdoors, especially when she gets to spend time in the water.
Megan holds a PhD in zoology from Washington State University and is passionate about science and the environment. Her focus is on teaching more people the process of science and she hopes to bring it to as many students as possible across the US. In her free time, Meg enjoys Nordic skiing, running, and playing with her family in the Sierra.
Jennifer Cotton manages our Research Experience and Lunch with a Scientist Program. She previously worked as a secondary science content specialist and public high school science educator. She has over a decade of experience in writing standards based curriculum. She has worked with OCEARCH to create a STEM based curriculum and has represented that organization at many outreach events.
Mary Ellen holds a BA in Biology/Environmental Studies from University of California, Santa Cruz. She has worked as an environmental education guide for more than 10 years, balancing that with substitute teaching K-12 in the local school district. For fun she coaches a high school Nordic ski team and tries to get in as much play time outside, skiing, running and biking. She hopes to inspire students to be curious about natural processes in order to foster a deeper appreciation of our environment.
Anne Espeset
Grants and Programs
Anne holds a Ph.D. in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology from the University of Nevada, Reno where she researched the impacts of human-induced changes on sexually selected signals of a butterfly. She has also been a part of several scientific outreach programs, including a community science project (Pieris Project) and the University of Nevada’s Museum of Natural History. Anne is excited to continue sharing the scientific process and research with a diversity of students through the Headwaters Science Institute!
