Dr. M. Brandon Jones
Dr. Jones is the Chairman of Black girls Dive Foundation’s Advisory Board. Jones currently serves as the program manager for the National Science Foundation’s Geosciences Directorate where his portfolio includes undergraduate and graduate education programs as they pertain to Geosciences disciplines as well as diversity, inclusion and belonging efforts in the Geosciences. Dr. Jones serves as a board member for the American Geophysical Union and the Environmental Leadership Program as well as a member of the Dean’s advisory committee for the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment at the University of Delaware. Dr. Jones received his BA in Biology from The Lincoln University (PA) and earned his Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). in Marine Biology and Biochemistry from the University of Delaware’s College of Earth, Ocean and Environment.
Gwyneth Packard, M.S.
Gwyneth is a Senior Engineer in the Oceanographic Systems Laboratory (OSL) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) where she writes control code for a specific type of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) called REMUS. Gwyneth’s work is focused on improving vehicle decision making; increasing the vehicle’s self-perception, survivability, and the vehicle’s ability to adapt to its environment. Gwyneth received her Bachelor of Science in Physics from Pennsylvania State University and Master of Science in Master’s Physical Oceanography, MIT/WHOI Joint Program.
Gwyneth’s work and contributions in her field have led to several recognitions and awards, a recent highlight being the 2021 Linda Morse Porteous Award from the WHOI Women’s Committee.
Dwayne K. Johnson, BSE
Dwayne is a Principal Systems Engineer who work focuses on the multidisciplinary implementations and support needed at the intersection of virtual technologies, oversight and compliance policies, and intelligence mission in an effort to enable practices and systems that serve to protect the rights of US citizens. Dwayne is founder and President of Charm City Scuba Club of Baltimore, a chapter of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers. As a community change agent, he has introduced SCUBA as a tool to expose African-American youth to new cultures and career paths in marine-related studies. Dwayne is a PADI - certified SCUBA Instructor and serves as the Dive Safety Officer for Black Girls Dive Foundation.
Alexis Mcrae, M.D.
Dr. Mcrae is an ER-Trauma trained physician. As a former recipient of the MARC (Minority Access to Research Careers) fellow, she understands the importance of minority engagement in STEM at an early age and how it can have a positive impact on those who aspire to be a scientist.
Dr. Mcrae received her B.S in Biology from Lincoln University in PA and her Medical Degree from Penn State University.
Dr. Brian Davis
Dr. Brian Davis is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Georgia Aquarium. He brings with him more than 25 years of experience in senior leadership roles within zoological and educational institutions and currently serves as the chairman of the the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Dr. Davis has authored, and co-authored papers related to science education, aquariums and other science related topics. Dr. Davis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Rutgers University, and a Master of Education and his Ph.D. in Secondary Science Education at Georgia State University.
Dr. Dawn Ward
Dr. Ward is an Organic Chemist and a tenured Professor of Chemistry at Stevenson University. Dr. Ward's work has yielded U.S patents and publications of multiple research articles. Her research focus is on the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds containing metal binding properties for uses in the areas of medicinal chemistry and organic sensors and semiconductors. Dr. Ward received her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with honors from Lincoln University and her Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
Stacy Eadie, DO
Dr. Eadie is a Pediatrician. She has been practicing for over 10 years and is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Dr. Eadie is a native of Baltimore and takes pride in her commitment to serve the community. In her spare time, she enjoys speaking with youth and serving as a role model. She co-founded a mentoring program to service adolescent females in and around the Baltimore metropolitan area. Dr. Eadie received her Medical Degree from New York School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her residency at the Children's Hospital of Michigan/Wayne State.
Ross Whippio, M.S
Ross hails from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest where he was trained as a scientific diver at the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Labs in 2009. His primary research interests have included the community ecology of marine habitats, especially kelp forests and the rocky subtidal zone, and the role of biodiversity in ecosystem function. He has worked extensively in the US and Canada on projects ranging from studies of sea urchin movement to sea otter impacts on invertebrate communities. Currently, he is the head technician for the Smithsonian’s MarineGEO project and regularly leads research diving operations all over the world
Reginald Black, M.S.
Reginald Black is a marine scientist and social entrepreneur dedicated to using innovative ways to solve complex problems in our educational system and community. His energy and enthusiasm as an educator/motivator and passion for cultivating the minds of our youth has brought him a tremendous amount of opportunities in various professional settings. Reginald has served as a STEM teacher and adjunct Professor in Environmental Science and Oceanography at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and in the Prince George’s County Public Schools, as well as a career/college success navigator for an Adult Public Charter School. Reginald received both his Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and a Master of Science in Natural Resource Management with a concentration in Marine Estuary Environmental Science at UMES.
Nichole Best, J.D.
Nichole is a graduate of the Howard University School of Law with a twenty-plus year career in Compliance. She is currently a member of the Trinity University of Washington, DC Adjunct Professorial staff teaching Business and Professional Ethics. Nichole is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as well as Phi Alpha Delta Legal Fraternity.
David Smith
David Smith is a mechanical engineer for Amtrak who has dedicated his time and talent to serving the community of under resources and undeserved communities.
Dr. Anthony Ford
Dr. Ford currently serves as the President of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS). He is certified NAUI course director and Cave diver. Dr. Ford is an staunch advocate of dive safety education. Dr Ford is also an Emergency Medicine physician, graduating from Morehouse School of Medicine.
Michael Ayewoh, Ph.D
Dr. Ayewoh is Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs at Lincoln University. He brings with him many years of experience in research, grants and sponsored pRograms and human subjects protection programs and Institutional Review Boards. Dr. Ayewoh plays at BGD with grants, research and sponsored programs and their IRB.
Eric C. Webb
Eric Christopher Webb, "E. Webb," is a multitalented writer, performer, educator and social entrepreneur and has been featured in movies and literary documentaries on HBO, BET Weekend’s Evening of Spoken Word, BET’s Rap City, The Learning Channel, Voice of America and XM Radio. He has written several books, including Love Letters, Death Threats & Suicide Notes: new and selected poems and essays (1991-1998), which also included a foreword from “Brother to the Night” scribe Reggie Gibson of the hit movie, Love Jones and his debut novel, The Garvey Protocol: Inspired By True Events, a 2013 Phillis Wheatley Book Award for First Fiction finalist. E. Webb received a Bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism from Lincoln University and is a graduate of Harvard University’s Institute on Reading, Writing & Civic Education and Institute on Media and American Democracy.
Cassandra Osunsade
Candace is a respected thought leader with 30 years of business experience in large to mid-size for profit and non-profit organizations. She currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Baltimore Aquarium. Cassandra is actively engaged in the Baltimore community and is a committed volunteer to mission-based organizations focused on improving educational outcomes for under-served students.
Dr. Stephanie Krusemark
Dr. Krusemark is a respected leader with over 25 years of experience leading student services at institutions in higher education. Her knowledge and experience in strategic enrollment management has revitalize campus communities with innovative student services and activities that support student enrollment and retention. at leading institutions of higher education.
