Liu Batchelor, Science Communicator
Liu is a TV presenter and communicator with extensive experience communicating a range of topics from creative innovation, engineering, sustainability, entrepreneurship and the psychology of the creative process. With a first-class degree in design engineering, experience running multiple TEDx events, working with and interviewing technical experts, as well as having the curiosity and courage to experience and experiment with innovation and ideas first hand - she is skilled at taking complex information, and presenting it in accessible, engaging, and exciting ways for the general public.
Captain Graham McKay, Marine Archaeologist & Boatbuilder
Born and raised along the Merrimack River in Amesbury, Massachusetts, I’ve always been fascinated with boats and the water. After four years of studying economics and playing baseball at Harvard I found myself not wanting to head to Wall St. along with the rest of my class. Thus, my incurable interest in all things maritime led me to become both a commercial fisherman, and professional sailor. By 29, I was: A Sea Captain, A Commercial Diver, and a Fisheries Scientist. Ethically, the killing of marine life involved in commercial fishing became too much for me, and it was at this time I chose to further my education in Maritime History and Archaeology, and moved to the U.K. to attend the University of Bristol where I obtained my Master’s Degree in Maritime Archaeology. I am now the Executive Director and Master Boatbuilder at Lowell’s Boat Shop in Amesbury, MA. Historically speaking, Lowell’s is the oldest operating wooden boat building business in the United States, as well as a working museum, whose mission is dedicated to continuing both the education and preservation of the craft of wooden boat building. For the past 8 years I have continued to build boats, captain tall ships, and have launched several youth programs in boat-building and related maritime experiences. I have travelled throughout New England teaching and lecturing on the art and craft of wooden boat building, and have consulted on marine archaeological projects and findings.
Lindsay Moran, Former CIA Agent & Author
Lindsay Moran is Head of Communications for the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a Washington DC and London-based non-profit that seeks to disrupt the architecture of online hate and disinformation. Prior to joining CCDH, Ms. Moran led communications for the Environmental Investigation Agency, an international NGO that uses undercover investigations in its mission to expose environmental crime. A former CIA operative and author of the best-selling memoir Blowing My Cover, Ms. Moran joined the not-for-profit sector with over 20 years’ experience across a broad professional spectrum to include intelligence, covert operations, and print and broadcast journalism.
Ms. Moran’s articles and opinions have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Politico, The Huffington Post, and various other publications. She has served as an commentator on national security and intelligence issues for the BBC, CNN, MSNBC, NPR, The Young Turks, as well as national and local radio and online outlets. From 2013-2016, she was a field correspondent for Al-Jazeera America’s flagship news program America Tonight and its groundbreaking science and technology show TechKnow. Today, Ms. Moran is featured as an expert on the Science Channel’s top-rated show What on Earth and Discovery’s Forbidden History. She also consults on television series and movies, including the History Channel’s critically acclaimed documentary America’s War on Drugs and the Netflix hit series Hit and Run.
Dr Chris Begley, Archaeologist & Anthropologist
Dr Chris Begley is the Director of The Exploration Foundation, and a professor of Anthropology at Transylvania University in Kentucky, USA. His archaeological research for the last two decades has focused on issues of ethnicity and identity among ancient populations in the remote jungles of the Mosquito Coast of Honduras. Over the last five years, he has focused on developing zero-impact archaeological imaging technology, especially structured light 3D systems. Most recently, he has worked as an underwater archaeologist in Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia, developing underwater 3D systems.
Dr Sarah Yeomans, Archaeologist & Art Historian
Dr. Sarah Yeomans is an archaeologist specializing in the Imperial period of the Roman Empire with a particular emphasis on ancient science and religion. She holds a Ph.D. in Art History from the University of Southern California, a M.A. in Archaeology from the University of Sheffield (U.K.) and a M.A. in Art History from the University of Southern California. Yeomans is currently faculty at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. For over a decade, she has consulted with a Washington D.C.-based archaeological non-profit organization that investigates biblical sites in the Near East and Turkey. A native Californian, she has conducted archaeological fieldwork in Israel, Italy, Turkey, France and England and has worked on several television and film productions, including “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman” and “Ancient Unexplained Files.”
Dr Alexei Vranich, Archaeologist & Anthropologist
Alexei received his Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania and has been working in South America since 1995. He has extensive research experience around the world in such places as Spain, Italy, India, Peru, and Bulgaria, and Costa Rica. He has been recognized by the National Science Foundation for the innovation application of technology in the study of the past.
Dr Jean-Guillaume Olette-Pelletier, Egyptologist & Cryptologist
“I am a PhD Egyptologist, specialized in hieroglyphic texts and hidden hieroglyphic texts (Ancient to New Kingdom cryptographies. We are only 6). I did a PhD on the god Min during the Middle Kingdom, and I am now one of the ancient Egyptian gods specialists. I am interested in all ancient languages (I can read Hieroglyphics and Hieratic, ancient Greek, Latin, and some notions of Mayan and Old Norse writings) and ancient deities.”
Phillipa Vincent-Connolly, Disability History Specialist & Author
Among her many interests, she has a deep and abiding love for all things historical, archives, artefacts, architecture, fashion, and royalty. Phillipa is also a keen activist, giving a contemporary voice to disabled people of the past, and those who currently feel disenfranchised. Her own disability has allowed her to identify and empathise with those who have not been heard and she is passionate about equality for the disabled. She lives in Poole, Dorset, but is not solely UK centric, as she has a broad spectrum of knowledge and research on which to draw.
Nicholas Ferroni, Educator, Activist & Historian
Nicholas Ferroni is a revered high school teacher who mentors his extremely diverse students with deep personal commitment and care. Nick teaches History and Cultural Studies in his hometown and helped found his school’s GSA (Gay-Straight Alliance” and The Feminist Club. Nick was named one of the "100 Making a Difference" for his commitment to education reform and has developed the “Teach the Truth” campaign to incorporate more minority figures in social studies curriculum as well as including the history of the Gay and Lesbian Civil Rights movement. He was recently named the "Upstander of the Year" by the HRC (Human Rights Campaign) for his outspoken advocacy and support for LGBTQ youth. Nick has received national attention by numerous educators and publications for his unique and innovative methodology in successfully reaching contemporary and urban students. Nick’s most recent honor was being named a “Champion of Change” by a branch of the United Nations Women.
Dr Dean Lomax, Palaeontologist, Author & Science Communicator
Dr Dean Lomax is an internationally recognised multi-award-winning palaeontologist, author and science communicator. He travels across the world excavating and researching dinosaurs and other ancient animals, discovering and naming new species, and regularly appears on TV as an expert and presenter. He is the author of ten books and more than 50 academic papers, is a leading authority on ichthyosaurs, and won a gold medal for science communication at the Houses of Parliament. Dean earned his PhD at the University of Manchester where he is currently a Visiting Scientist. — In 2021, he led the excavation of the 'Rutland Sea Dragon', the most complete skeleton of a large prehistoric reptile ever found in the UK. Watch his TED talk about this sensational discovery.
Tony McMahon, Investigative Historian
"I began my career as a print journalist writing for most of the national newspapers before joining the BBC as a news producer in the 1990s. This involved investigating mainly financial and business scandals for the ‘Money Programme’ (BBC2) and ‘Working L unch’ (BBC1). Over the last fifteen years, I’ve authored several books, one of which was short - listed twice for prestigious awards. They included a book on the Knights Templar, two biographies of the boxer Errol Christie and Neville Staple of legendary 2Tone band, The Specials. And I co - authored a book on political Islamism with Sara Khan that was reviewed on CNN, BBC, Channel 4 News and other media outlets."
Dr Allison Mickel, Professor of Global Studies
Allison Mickel is an Assistant Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Sociology & Anthropology at Lehigh University. Her research focuses on how local communities have impacted and been affected by the long history of archaeological work in the Middle East. By interviewing current and former site workers employed on archaeological projects and utilizing statistical and visual methods like social network analysis, Mickel maps, measures, illustrates, transcribes, outlines, and stipples the roles that local community members play in archaeological research. She has excavated in Jordan, Turkey, Kenya, and the USA.
Dr Pamela L Gay, Astronomer & Technologist
"I am an astronomer, technologist, and creative focused on using new media to engage people in learning and doing science. Join me as we map our Solar System in unprecedented detail through citizen science projects at CosmoQuest.org, and learn astronomy through media productions like Astronomy Cast & EVSN.tv."
Dr Joshua Kelly, Geologist & Oceanographer
"I am an Assistant Professor at California State University, Los Angeles within the Department of Geography, Geology, and Environment. I have traveled the globe studying various aspects of earth science including volcanoes in the Mediterranean Sea, beaches along Australia's coast, and glaciers in Alaska. My interests outside of the University include hiking, running, playing soccer, exploring new food, and cheering on Boston sports teams."
David Harper, Art & Antiques Specialist
"I’m a BBC TV Antiques expert presenter (20 years) on programmes like Antiques Road Trip and Bargain Hunt. I’m a published author (humorous history books) Speaker and Host. I’ve been developing YouTube and Facebook Antiques and History channels and will soon be launching my films into the Chinese market through a Chinese production company."
Dr Kenetha Harrington, Historical Archaeologist
Kenetha is a Historical Anthropologist/Archaeologist and creative whose life's mission has been to amplify the voices of the past. She has conducted fieldwork and research on African American history in the eastern and southern United States. Kenetha is a founding member of Central Louisiana African American Historical Society, and serves as the principal researcher for Diaspora Research & Consulting.
Jane Gulliford Lowes, Military Historian & Author
"A former lawyer, I left the legal profession to pursue my passion for history. My particular interests are RAF Bomber Command, and the Norwegian Campaign. I'm a great believer in 'walking the ground' to truly understand history, and I'm passionate about bringing to life the stories of ordinary people impacted by world events. I now spend my time writing, researching and lecturing on military and social history. Regular visitor to Norway to look at bunkers and U-boat bases!"
Rodrigo Santiago, Space Scientist & Astronaut Candidate
"I'm a scientist with a passion for space and astronautics. I am a Co-chair of the IIAS Institute for the Training of Astronaut Scientists for Space Research Flights. Creator of the NMSS 1 project which aims to take a crew of researchers to the edge of space. AI scientist, coordinator of the creation of extended reality simulations and connected to the latest technologies aimed at making life easier for human beings on Earth. Mentor of young people and advocate of education across the planet through access to new online technologies. Pilot, member of the Space Force Association, member of the Flight Test Association and father of 2."
Dr Katie East, Forensic Anthropologist & Bioarchaeologist
Dr Katie East is a forensic anthropologist, bioarchaeologist, and science communicator. Her PhD research examined human remains from Ptolematic Egypt through modern day America. Now Katie analyzes skeletons by day, and by night (and weekends) she educates public audiences. With over a decade working in museums, laboratories, and field settings, Katie offers a broad range of insights about anthropology, archaeology, and science to audiences of all ages. Katie has been a professional forensic anthropologist since 2018 and received her PhD in 2021. She believes being a scientist is not about wearing a lab coat, it’s about asking good questions.
Prof Kevin Weddle, Military Historian & Combat Veteran
Kevin Weddle is a Distinguished Fellow and a military historian at the US Army War College. He is a graduate of the US Military Academy, a combat veteran, and served over 28 years on active duty in the US Army before retiring as a colonel. He is a multiple award-winning author of books and articles, an accomplished public speaker, and is a sought-after advisor and on-air expert in numerous historical documentaries including those produced by Doris Kearns Goodwin and Ken Burns. He specializes in the American Revolution, the American Civil War, the Second World War, general military history, and military technology.
