Scott Bacon
Director
Scott’s passion is coral reef ecology and he has been involved in a variety of marine science educational programs. Scott is devoted to implementing effective marine ecosystem management programs that will preserve Hawaii’s reefs for future generations. He is also a PADI Master Scuba Diver Instructor.
Jenna Budke
Staff Marine Scientist & Coral Nerd
Jenna is a graduate of UH Hilo’s marine scientists program and Miami University’s Masters in Biology program. Jenna has spent hundreds of hours in the ocean classifying coral as a scientific diver on the Big Island and Kaua’i. Jenna’s field expertise is critical to the integrity of MNA’s long-term monitoring program.
Makana Bacon
Board Member
Makana’s focus is on the day-to-day operational issues that MNA faces but she also joins the activity under water as well. A Native Hawaiian, Makana recognizes the coral polyp or ko’a as a foundational element of life.
Adriana Santacruz-Castro, Ph.D.
Marine Biologist
Adriana’s marine scientific work includes marine invertebrates, field experiments, coral histology, genetics, reef biodiversity and coral reef restoration in the Caribbean, Asian and Central Pacific. Designer/Manager of the website Global Coral Restoration.
Howatt Peter King
GIS & Photogrammetry
Howatt is a natural educator and has instructed students of all ages in the classroom and under water. A self-professed geography nerd, Howatt takes data that is collected under difficult conditions and makes it accessible via detailed 2-D and 3-D models.
Med Dyer
Diver
Med planned to be a marine biologist when he was young, but then computers were invented and he got distracted. He is back on the right track now.