Meet the Expedition Team
The Russian Kuril Islands Internet Expedition is part of an extended expedition that started in Nome, Alaska and is ending in Kobe, Japan. You are joining the expedition as it explores the mysterious and remote Russian Kuril Islands.
A large extended expedition requires many people to make it successful. Meet the expedition team members and learn about some of their duties during this expedition:
Wayne Brown - The Ocean Adventure Internet Expedition Host (Expedition Staff Marine Biologist): In 1992 Wayne became the first Westerner to explore the Kuril Islands underwater while on a Russian research expedition. Wayne is on this expedition as a guest lecturer, Zodiac driver, and expedition staff member. Wayne has a degree in Ecology and Environmental Science from the University of California at Irvine. Wayne lives in Irvine, California with his scuba instructor wife, Karen.
Sergey Frolov - (Expedition Russian Coordinator & Guide): Sergey works as our Russian agent who organizes the special permits we need to explore the Kuril Islands. Sergey has spent many years exploring the Kuril Islands and acts as our guide as we visit these islands. Sergey also helps us by being our Russian translator. Sergey is from Petropavlosk, Russia, but now lives in Seattle, Washington, with his daughters, Vera (age 13), and Anna (age 7).
Susan Adie - (Expedition Leader): For over 10 years Susan has worked on expedition ships from Antarctica to the North Pole. As expedition leader Susan is in charge of our expedition. She organizes our ship's route, Zodiac landings, island explorations, village visits, and lectures. Susan is a graduate of Cornell University in New York. Susan is onboard with her photographer husband, Brad. Susan and Brad live in Saratoga Springs, New York.
John Kernan - (Expedition Staff): John works as an expedition naturalist, lecturer and leader on expeditions all around the world. John has worked for the Steinhart Aquarium at the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco. John is on this expedition as a Zodiac driver, and expedition staff member. John has a degree in marine biology/zoology from Humbolt State University in California. John lives in San Francisco, California
Joe Ordonez (Expedition Staff): Joe lives in Haines, Alaska and runs Rainbow Glacier Adventures. Joe also works as also works as a rafting and wilderness guide in the Arctic Wilderness Refuge. Joe is on this expedition as a guest lecturer, Zodiac driver, and expedition staff member. Joe has a degree in Environmental Education from Western Washington University.
Jeff Sauer (Expedition Staff Ornithologist): Jeff lives in Juneau, Alaska with his wife, Theresa Svancara. Jeff is an expert birder. Jeff has birded on all seven continents and has lectured on birds around the world. Jeff is a lawyer representing Alaska natives from Ketchikan to Barrow. Jeff is on this expedition as a guest lecturer, Zodiac driver, and expedition staff ornithologist.
Greg Streveler (Expedition Staff Geologist): Greg lives in Gustava, Alaska. He has worked as a biologist for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and as a park ranger and research scientist at Glacier Bay National Park. He presently serves on the Alaska Board of Game. Greg an author who writes about Alaska. Greg is on this expedition as a guest lecturer, Zodiac driver, and expedition staff geologist. Greg is a graduate of the University of Alaska.
Theresa Svancara - (Expedition Staff Marine Mammalogist): Theresa lives in Juneau, Alaska with her husband, Jeff Sauer. Theresa has worked on expedition ships studying marine mammals in the Arctic and Antarctic. Theresa is on this expedition as a guest lecturer, Zodiac driver, and expedition staff marine mammalolgist. Theresa has a 50-ton US Coast Guard license and has captained an Alaska glacier tour boat . Theresa has a degree in Environmental Health from Colorado State University.
Lea Williams (Expedition Staff Historian) - Lea is a retired history professor from Brown University in Rhode Island. Lea lived in China for many years and lectures on Asian history and maritime history. Lea is on this expedition as a guest lecturer and expedition staff historian. Lea lives in Providence, Rhode Island.