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The Reef Stewardship Foundation Community and People

Our Community

The Reef Stewardship Foundation was initially formed as Project DIBS in 2006. The growth of the Foundation could never have happened without its strong volunteer community. Tireless work by volunteers has brought the community together and continues to expand it.

Now that the Foundation is a non-profit corporation, the community of volunteers have never been more important. Each volunteer's diverse experiences and skills are one of the strengths of the Foundation. The Foundation structure consists of the Board of Directors and specially designated volunteer committees. Below are some of the dedicated Foundation members and open opportunities for people that would like to make a difference.

Board of Directors

President: Brian J. Plankis
Brian is currently a doctoral student at the University of Houston working towards a degree in Curriculum and Instruction. He was the original founder of Project DIBS and holds a master's degree in Educational Technology and a bachelor's degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science from Purdue University. His work includes integrating emerging technology into science education, ocean literacy and environmental literacy research and online community development.

Science Advisor: Eric Borneman
Eric Borneman is completing his PhD at the University of Houston. His work includes sexual coral reproduction, service on the scientific advisory board of Project SECORE, and whose primary work involves coral disease and pest-related mortality research in wild and captive corals, especially the white syndromes of corals. He is also involved in coral trade sustainability issues, genetic banking of coral species, and in coral restoration work.

Education Advisor: Trent C. Apple
Mr. Apple is our most recent addition to the Board of Directors and has a background in teaching, field and laboratory research, and working for non-profit organizations. Mr. Apple has excelled in all areas and is currently helping guide our 2008 IYOR educational research study, as well as examining grant and collaboration opportunities.

Membership Director: Open Opportunity
Please contact us for details about the opportunity to serve as membership director.

Volunteers Committees


Aquaculture Development Committee

Dr Ronald L. Shimek
Wilsall, Montana

Eric Borneman
Houston, Texas

Brian J. Plankis
Houston, Texas

Charles Raabe
Mactan Island, Philippines

Curriculum Development Committee

Chair
David Bowers
Bellevue, Ohio

Mac M.
Chicago, Illinois

Laronna Doggett
Texas

Laine Smith
Florida

Fundraising Committee

Chair
Andy T.
Dallas, Texas

Brian J. Plankis
Houston, Texas

Open Opportunity

Open Opportunity

Outreach Committee

Chair
Brian J. Plankis
Houston, Texas

Andy Berry
Boulder, Colorado

Joe T.
Colorado Springs, Colorado

Open Opportunity

 

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